Quantum-safe solutions for the aerospace and defense industry

Initiating the journey to quantum safety together at Aero India 2023.

Quantum computers are based on the principles of quantum physics. They have the potential to provide an exponential speed-up for certain types of computational problems when compared to classic computers. This unprecedented computing power to solve currently intractable problems makes it possible to transform industries and economies.

In fact, a recent report from the Capgemini Research Institute suggests that mass adoption may occur within this decade. In Quantum technologies: how to prepare your organization for a quantum advantage now, 23% of the organizations we talked to are either already working with or planning to work with quantum technologies, and 20% of those that have launched successful proofs of concept believe that quantum advantage is less than five years away. For example, Airbus launched a quantum computing challenge in 2019 to call upon quantum experts to find solutions to five specific problems in aircraft design and in-service optimization using quantum computing.

Many private and public organizations are aggressively investing to achieve leadership in quantum technology. But these computers also have the potential to pose a significant threat to the security of many of the cryptographic systems currently in use. Actors with malicious intent could potentially breach the security of government and enterprise systems, disturb or even damage public services and utility infrastructure, disrupt financial transactions, and compromise personal data. 

Organizations in the aerospace and defense sector are well into deep digital transformation journeys across their IT and OT landscapes. However, digital transformation can introduce large-scale security vulnerabilities. Even with such major digitization drives, many legacy systems remain in use across these industries and user segments. The combination of legacy and modern systems further adds to the complexity of security management. Considering the critical nature of systems in this industry, the safety of systems across the value chain is paramount and any potential threats/attacks to these systems could have devastating consequences, causing both disruption and damage to national revenues and economic activity. 

Any adversary with cryptographically relevant quantum computers can:

• Cause serious risk to products and physical equipment deployed, compromising control of planes/equipment and causing serious risks to live and assets.
• Undermine digital platforms containing business-critical data, including customer privacy data, leading to severe damage of operations across the ecosystem and reputational damages, including legal battles.
• Gain control of destructive weapons, national secrets, and communications systems, causing risk to national security.

The migration to quantum-safe technology requires the discovery of cryptography, road-mapping, and prioritization of systems, the migration to quantum-safe and crypto-agile technology, performance and compatibility testing, and finally, the maintenance of systems. It involves a wide range of IT and OT technology, vendors, and tools. To help our clients in this quantum-safe journey, Capgemini offers Quantum Safe Solutions and Integration Services (QSIS). Learn more about Capgemini’s Quantum Lab and related quantum resources.

To understand more about how we collaborate on QSIS for Aerospace and Defense clients, please visit the Capgemini booth at Aero India 2023 in Hall F, booth No: 5.6.a. We will highlight our work in digital continuity, intelligent operations, sustainability, and, of course, exponential technologies like quantum and the metaverse. Join us, and let’s discuss how to get the future you want in Aerospace & Defense.