Safeguarding Nuclear Command in the Quantum Era

Explore how quantum communication and AI are reshaping nuclear command and control. Learn about India’s progress, global race, risks, and strategies to secure defence in the quantum era.

Introduction

In her essay “Redefining Nuclear Command and Control: A Look at Quantum Communication and AI” (Observer Research Foundation, 26 August 2025), Shravishtha Ajaykumar explains how quantum communication and artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping the way nations protect their nuclear command systems. These systems form the backbone of national security, linking political leaders, military commanders, and the weapons that defend nations from attack. While traditional defences have depended on encryption and secure communication, Ajaykumar shows that this model is being challenged by the arrival of new technologies. The question is no longer only about keeping data safe, but about safeguarding nuclear command in the quantum era, where opportunities and risks are tightly intertwined.

New Experiment

In May 2025, scientists at Purdue University in the United States tested a new form of communication within a nuclear reactor. They successfully used a technology called Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), which allows people to send secret messages in such a way that no one can spy on them without being noticed. This breakthrough showed that nuclear reactors and other critical systems can be protected with stronger and more secure communication than ever before. This experiment also opened the door for AI and automation to play a bigger role in managing nuclear systems. In simple words, the test proved that the future of nuclear safety might depend on quantum and AI technologies working together.

Double-Edged Sword

The strength of quantum technology lies in its power. A fully developed quantum computer could crack the codes that protect today’s secret military communications. This means that if such computers fall into the wrong hands, enemies could intercept nuclear launch codes, spread false orders, or block communication between leaders and their armies. On the other hand, the same quantum technology can also be used to make completely secure communication that cannot be hacked. This creates a strange situation: the very thing that threatens security could also be the solution to keeping it safe.

Immediate Risks

Even though large-scale quantum computers may still be a decade away, the risks are already real. Countries can collect encrypted messages today and save them until they have quantum computers powerful enough to unlock them later. This is called “harvest now, decrypt later.” In other words, even messages sent securely today might be exposed in the future. For India, which shares borders with nuclear powers such as China and Pakistan, this possibility raises urgent concerns about keeping its secrets safe.

Communication Lifeline

The stability of nuclear weapons depends on trustworthy communication between leaders, the military, and the machines that carry these weapons. If these links break or are manipulated, nuclear deterrence—the idea that no one will attack because they fear retaliation—will fail. For example, if a quantum computer helps an enemy forge false nuclear commands, or disrupts satellite communication, it could cause India or another country to make a wrong decision. Worse still, if AI-driven systems are told to act automatically, they may launch weapons without human judgement, creating a global disaster.

Quantum Advantage

Despite the dangers, quantum encryption offers a unique advantage. With QKD, if anyone tries to spy on a message, the system immediately detects it. This makes communication between nuclear command centres, submarines, or missile bases almost impossible to hack. Beyond nuclear weapons, this technology can also secure other critical areas such as chemical labs, nuclear plants, and even data shared during arms-control agreements between nations. India could use QKD to build safer networks that protect its secrets while ensuring peace talks remain private and trustworthy.

Global Race

Countries around the world are racing to build quantum communication systems. China launched the “Micius” satellite in 2017, which successfully carried out intercontinental quantum-encrypted communication. The European Union has its EuroQCI project, while the United States is building its own quantum communication networks. All of these efforts are aimed at securing critical military and diplomatic communication for the future. These developments show that no country can afford to be left behind.

India’s Progress

India has already recognised this urgency. Under its National Quantum Mission (2023–2031), the country has set aside over ₹6,000 crore to build its own quantum technologies. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), along with leading institutes such as IIT Delhi, has successfully tested QKD in free space. The Indian Navy has already started using QKD-based systems, and in 2024, the Indian Army signed contracts for long-range secure communication systems using the same technology. These steps prove that India is serious about protecting its nuclear safety in the face of changing global threats.

Next Steps

Even with these achievements, much more needs to be done. By 2030, India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) must ensure that all vital communication lines, especially in the defence sector, move towards quantum-resistant systems. AI should also be integrated carefully so that threats can be detected and responded to automatically, but without completely removing human control. A balanced approach will give India both speed and safety.

Partnerships Needed

To stay ahead in the quantum race, India must encourage close cooperation between the defence sector, academic institutions, and private startups. Programmes such as the Innovations for Defence Excellence (IDeX) already support this type of collaboration, but more funding and partnerships will be required. By building a strong ecosystem of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs, India can develop its own secure quantum technologies instead of depending on foreign nations.

Planning for Failure

Even the best systems can fail. Therefore, India must prepare for emergencies. This means practising “red-teaming” exercises, where experts test systems by simulating attacks and failures. Nuclear crisis scenarios must include the possibility of quantum breaches and AI errors. At the same time, backup systems that are completely cut off from the internet—known as “air-gapped” systems—must be maintained. Manual controls, secure satellites, and quantum-safe GPS systems will also be essential for crisis survival.

International Role

Another important step for India is to push for international agreements on the use of quantum technology. Just as treaties exist to control nuclear weapons, similar rules must be created for quantum tools, especially since they could be misused for spying or disrupting critical systems. India can play a leading role in shaping these global norms, while also encouraging its domestic industry to grow. Working with allies while protecting its own interests will allow India to secure its position in the quantum future.

Final Thoughts

Quantum and AI technologies are rewriting the foundations of NC3. While they introduce new dangers, they also provide the tools to strengthen nuclear command against future threats. For India, this means acting now—developing quantum networks, integrating AI wisely, and preparing backup systems for crisis situations. Only then can India truly succeed in safeguarding nuclear command in the quantum era, ensuring both national security and global stability.

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The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed By THE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH