ARQADE is aimed at generating capabilities and infrastructures that facilitate access to quantum computing and its application in strategic sectors, including areas such as quantum algorithms, integration with AI, post-quantum cybersecurity and secure communications, post-quantum cybersecurity and secure communications
Its aim is to contribute to making quantum computing accessible and useful, in a critical and strategic area such as Defense, developing solutions that can also be transferred to key civilian sectors.
There are three operational scenarios on which it focuses:
- ISR analysis of satellite and aerial images: Creation of solutions for the processing of satellite and aerial images in quantum cloud environments, applying hybrid algorithms to automatically identify relevant elements such as vehicles, infrastructure or people in surveillance missions.
- Secure deployments of drone swarms (UAVs). Design of methods based on quantum computing to plan the distribution of UAVs, maximizing territorial coverage and ensuring secure communications, even in situations of risk or unexpected changes.
- Robust positioning estimation without GPS: Development of quantum algorithms that integrate data from multiple sensors to maintain accuracy in the navigation and coordination of drones and ground vehicles in environments where GNSS signals are blocked or degraded.
With this Network of Excellence we pursue:
- reduce current technical barriers by creating usable tools for people with expertise in areas other than quantum, facilitating mass adoption;
- validate technologies in relevant environments, primarily for Defense (cybersecurity, operational logistics, GPS-free navigation) and, under controlled security protocols, transfer such advances to strategic civil sectors such as health or energy;
- expand the successful experience obtained with ARQA network by incorporating new capabilities and relying on the advice of industry leaders.
To achieve these objectives, 8 technological challenges are addressed:
- Accessible Quantum Ready Solutions: Development of usable interfaces, intuitive frameworks, visual tools and clear technical documentation.
- Quantum Integration and AI: Critical application through optimization, classification, Quantum Machine Learning (QML) and hybrid quantum-classical models.
- Simulation and hybrid validation: Use of accessible simulator-emulators in cloud environments and validation in relevant scenarios before physical deployment.
- Information security: Implementation of post-quantum cryptography (PQC), quantum key distribution (QKD) and hardening of infrastructures.
- Standards and interoperability: Alignment with international standards (Quantum Flagship, NIST, NATO) and anticipation of future European regulations.
- Experimentation infrastructures: Creation of demonstrator environments, dual laboratories and integration in command and control platforms (C4ISR) and autonomous systems.
- Training and talent: Practical training programs and attraction of specialized talent to raise the level of "quantum readiness" in Defense and industry.
- Ethics and governance: Responsible design from the origin, ensuring auditability, explainability and access control aligned with EU and NATO values.
With ARQADE, CTIC reaffirms its commitment to deep innovation, positioning Spain at the forefront of a technology that will transform security and industry in the next decade. We don't just do research; we build tangible bridges between quantum innovation and the real needs of our society and defense.
