DeepMind and ETRI Develop Defense Combat Drone Based on Quantum Cryptography Communication

DeepMind Platform (hereinafter DeepMind) announced on the 16th that it has signed a technology transfer agreement with the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) to apply eSIM-based security technology supporting quantum-resistant encryption to combat drone communications.

A DeepMind official explained, "With this technology transfer agreement, combat drones requiring high-level security will be equipped with eSIM-based quantum-resistant encryption to safely transmit and protect critical data end-to-end, enabling effective operation."

Quantum encryption communication technology provides a higher level of security than conventional encryption methods, fundamentally blocking hacking or information theft during data transmission.

In particular, communication modules integrated with quantum encryption technology securely protect the drone's command and control systems and data links, allowing them to respond to enemy hacking attempts or radio interference.

DeepMind aims to significantly enhance the safety of the most critical data and real-time communications during military operations by applying this technology to the combat drone called "QuantumDrone."

QuantumDrone, which integrates quantum technology into drones, is gaining attention as an innovative security solution in the military and defense industry sectors. A defense industry official stated, "QuantumDrone is expected to be actively utilized in military and security areas where security and safe mission execution are essential," adding, "It provides strong security to overcome the limitations of existing defense drones and will demonstrate powerful competitiveness in future asymmetric cyber battlefields."

As global demand for products combining drone technology and cybersecurity is expected to increase, DeepMind plans to actively expand globally, focusing on the defense markets in Asia and the Middle East.

A company representative said, "We are developing a military-use suicide drone that can secure competitiveness in the global defense market by utilizing quantum encryption communication technology," emphasizing, "QuantumDrone will be a game changer that simultaneously improves the efficiency and safety of military operations."

According to ETRI, the global industrial cybersecurity market is estimated to grow from approximately $207.7 billion (KRW 303.5743 trillion) in 2024 to about $376.5 billion (KRW 550.2171 trillion) in 2029, recording an average annual growth rate of 12.63%. The SIM market is expected to reach $17.91 billion by 2028.

DeepMind stated, "By presenting a new paradigm combining quantum encryption communication and drone technology, we are gaining attention not only in the domestic defense industry but also in the global market."

They added, "We plan to complete the prototype development of QuantumDrone within a few months and aim for practical deployment in cooperation with domestic and international defense companies," and "We also plan to expand into commercial drones and civilian security sectors through continuous technological advancement."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.