Altice Labs successfully demonstrated the use of quantum technology for the creation of software-defined tactical radio networks in military applications, as part of the DISCRETION project (Disruptive SDN Secure Communications for European Defence). The event took place on January 29, 2025, at the Portuguese Embassy in Brussels, highlighting technological advancements in European defense.

The demonstration brought together key governmental and institutional entities, including Portugal’s Secretary of State for Defense, Álvaro Castelo Branco, and Portugal’s Ambassador to the European Union, Pedro Costa Pereira, along with representatives from European institutions and Member States.

DISCRETION is an innovative project funded by the European Commission, the Portuguese government, and private partners, with a total investment of €6 million. The initiative combines Software-Defined Networks (SDN) with Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technologies, ensuring highly secure military communications that are resilient to emerging threats, particularly in the post-quantum era.

The demonstration showcased DISCRETION’s ability to ensure secure communications, protect sensitive military information, and maintain reliable connectivity across different operational domains. The project represents a significant step forward in European defense innovation.

Led by Deimos Engenharia, the project features an international consortium that includes:

  • Portugal: Altice Labs, Adyta, Instituto de Telecomunicações, Instituto Superior Técnico
  • Spain: Telefónica ID, Polytechnic University of Madrid
  • Austria: Austrian Institute of Technology
  • Italy: NEXTWORKS

At the core of the project’s innovation is an SDN-based solution designed to revolutionize secure communications. It enhances resilience against cyberattacks while offering agility and flexibility in integrating new devices and technologies into defense networks. A key component is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), which enables secure communication channels by exchanging cryptographic keys via a quantum channel.

By integrating QKD technology, the security of military communications reaches unprecedented levels, protecting against interception attempts and ensuring robustness and reliability within European defense infrastructures.