Indra Group engages in shaping the future of quantum defence systems, key to the operational superiority and resilience of the European armed forces
The European ADEQUADE project has accelerated the development of quantum technologies in areas of high operational impact, such as resilient navigation, advanced detection of electromagnetic signals and next generation optronic systems
With these advances, the Indra has established itself as a leading national partner in quantum technologies applied to defence, combining its expertise in sensors, electronic defence, mission systems and command and control with the development of emerging disruptive capabilities
The company has led the definition of operational scenarios and mission requirements to identify the project’s use cases, as well as the technology roadmap to transform the capabilities developed in the laboratory into deployable systems in the theatre of operations
Indra Group continues to strengthen its position as one of the leading national and European authorities in quantum technology thanks to its participation in the European ADEQUADE (Advanced, Disruptive and Emerging QUAntum technologies for DEfense) project. Launched in 2022, the consortium has brought together 31 partners from eight European countries in an initiative coordinated by Thales and led by the continent’s leading defence companies, notably Indra Group, Leonardo and Diehl Defence.
ADEQUADE concluded last June with the consolidation of key advances in defining future quantum defence systems, which are essential for ensuring technological superiority on the battlefield and strategic autonomy.
Funded by the European Commission through the European Defence Fund (EDF), this R&D&I project has accelerated the development of quantum technologies in areas of high operational impact, such as resilient navigation without GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), advanced signal detection in the electromagnetic spectrum, and next generation optronic systems. All these developments lay the foundations for their future integration into land, naval, air and space platforms, contributing to the continent’s security and defence, whilst also having applications in the civilian sector.
During the project, the consortium has identified the technologies with the greatest potential to enhance the operational superiority and resilience of the European armed forces in the face of increasingly sophisticated threats, whilst also establishing a solid industrial and technological base in Europe for the supply of critical quantum components and subsystems.
Indra Group has played a key role in the project, leading the definition of operational scenarios and mission requirements for identifying target use cases, as well as drawing up the technology roadmap that will guide the transition of these capabilities from laboratory environments to systems deployable in the theatre of operations.
Thanks to this work, Indra has strengthened its position as a leading systems integrator and technology partner in the field of quantum technologies applied to defence, combining its expertise in sensors, electronic defence, mission systems and C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) architectures with the development of emerging disruptive capabilities.
“The results of ADEQUADE are directly aligned with the needs of future European and national defence programmes and will serve as a starting point for new phases of development, demonstration, and procurement. In this context, Indra is currently in a privileged position to offer its clients advanced solutions that integrate quantum technologies into real-world operational systems, contributing to strategic autonomy and technological superiority on the battlefield,” explains José Pérez, head of the Indra Group’s Quantum Technology Research and Technology (R+T) Laboratory.
Dual-use technologies
The completion of the ADEQUADE project marks a decisive step towards the adoption of quantum technologies in next-generation military capabilities, which will also yield significant benefits in the civilian sector, with applications such as improved navigation systems for civil aviation, maritime transport and land vehicles; improved radio-frequency-based communications; and more accurate systems for Earth observation, climate monitoring and environmental surveillance.
The project also opens new opportunities for industrial collaboration, operational demonstrations, and procurement programmes in the coming years.
With the progress made in the ADEQUADE project, Indra continues to strengthen its leadership in quantum technologies, with capabilities in advanced sensing, communications, key management, and computing. The Indra Group collaborates with universities, technology centres, companies, and start-ups specialising in quantum technologies at both national and European level to create a world-class technological ecosystem.
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This project has received funding from the European Defence Fund (EDF) under grant agreement no. 101103417 EDF-2021-DIS-RDIS-ADEQUADE.
Funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the authors and they do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority accept any liability for them.
