Quantum technology: QuNET sets the course for secure communication!

Quantum technology: QuNET sets the course for secure communication!

The QuNET project has made significant progress in quantum technology. On October 10, 2025, a crucial experiment was conducted that sets the framework for future applications of quantum secured communications. The experiment was largely organized at the Chair of Optical Quantum Technologies at the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen (FAU). fau.de reported.

The focus of the experiment was the installation of a laser-optical transmitting and receiving system in the Dornier 228, an aircraft that acted as a mobile node within a quantum network. Successfully connected to a ground station after testing the system in the hangar. These tests are crucial for the development of technologies that provide the basis for future quantum communications.

Details about the experiment

The challenge of the project lay in the targeted handling of individual photons that were sent between the aircraft and the ground station during the flight. Several quantum channels were successfully measured and the photons were sent to an ion trap for further analysis. The aim of these tests was to develop quantum key distribution technologies, which are essential for secure communications by governments and for protecting important infrastructure, according to dlr.de.

The progress was presented to a representative of the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). The QuNET initiative, which started in 2019 and is funded with a total of 125 million euros, aims to develop secure IT networks against cyberattacks and to be based on quantum-based communication solutions. Satellites, aircraft and mobile platforms are integral parts of the concept for future quantum networks.

Importance for the digital society

The development of secure communication systems is a high priority for both authorities and companies. Securing confidential communications and long-term storage of sensitive data are of great importance in the context of the digital society. Given the threat of new technologies such as quantum computing that could undermine traditional security measures, it is essential to maintain privacy and confidentiality. This is done by qunet-initiative.de further underlined.

The QuNET initiative discusses the potential of highly secure quantum communication in order to preserve Germany's technological sovereignty. In particular, sensitive data that requires long-term secrecy, such as health information and industrial secrets, is at risk from new forms of attack. The long-term goal is to ensure the security of future communication networks while at the same time strengthening innovation and trust in digital systems.