India’s Quantum Radar Ambitions: The Silent Stealth Killer in the Making

Date: July 12, 2025

Time: 10:00 PM

Posted By: Technology & Defense Team

India’s quantum radar counters stealth threats with precision.

What is Quantum Radar?

Quantum radar is a next-generation sensing system that leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to detect and track objects. Unlike traditional radars that rely solely on radio wave reflection, quantum radar uses quantum entanglement and quantum illumination to spot stealth targets, even in high-interference environments.

One popular concept involves entangled photons — where two particles remain interconnected regardless of distance. A quantum radar system sends one photon (the "signal") toward the target while retaining its twin (the "idler") at the source. If the signal photon bounces off an object and returns, the system checks its correlation with the idler. This method is highly resistant to noise, jamming, and stealth masking.

This kind of radar can theoretically detect stealth aircraft, missiles, and even cloaked naval vessels — assets typically invisible to conventional radars. Its biggest advantage is its ability to function in environments with high background noise, such as combat zones or urban centers.

Traditional Radar vs Quantum Radar

Traditional radar systems emit electromagnetic waves, usually in the radio or microwave frequency range. These waves reflect off objects, and the return signal is analyzed to determine range, speed, and trajectory. However, stealth aircraft reduce their radar cross-section (RCS) and scatter radio waves away from the transmitter, making them hard to detect.

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Quantum radar, by contrast, is immune to this limitation. Even if a target deflects incoming photons, the quantum correlation between signal and idler allows the radar system to register the object's presence. Moreover, because quantum states are incredibly sensitive to external influences, quantum radar can detect small anomalies and even distinguish between decoys and actual targets.

Another critical difference is resilience to jamming. In electronic warfare scenarios, conventional radar can be spoofed or blinded. Quantum radar, due to its noise-resilient detection, is almost immune to such interference — a game-changer in the modern battlefield.

India’s Silent March: Research and Development

India’s efforts in quantum radar may not grab headlines like those of China or the U.S., but a quiet revolution is underway. Several Indian academic and research institutions have been pushing the envelope in quantum sensing, single-photon technologies, and advanced detection systems.

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has made significant strides in developing Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) arrays — a key component in photon-counting quantum sensors. These SPADs operate with extreme timing accuracy and low dark counts, making them suitable for future radar architectures.

Similarly, the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi have ongoing programs in quantum computing, cryogenics, and superconducting photon detectors. These components are the building blocks of a true quantum radar system.

Though the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has not released public data, multiple patents and research grants hint at classified projects related to quantum-enhanced sensing.

Behind the Lab Doors: DRDO and Strategic Partnerships

India’s DRDO is known for maintaining secrecy around its most advanced projects. Insiders speculate that the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) and the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER) are working on quantum detection hardware in coordination with IISc and ISRO’s cryogenic labs.

There are also rumors of joint feasibility studies with Israel’s Elbit Systems and technology-sharing arrangements with France’s Thales Group. These collaborations would accelerate India’s entry into operational quantum radar platforms by bridging current capability gaps in ultra-low-noise detection and scalable cryogenic systems.

Strategic partnerships may include pilot tests of quantum radar demonstrators in controlled zones, like high-altitude areas or coastal regions, where stealth activity or drone intrusion risks are high. These tests, although classified, could represent India’s leap from academic prototypes to deployable technologies.

The Global Quantum Race: China, U.S., Russia, and Beyond

China’s Electronic Technology Group Corporation (CETC) has claimed a 100 km range for their quantum radar as early as 2016. While this figure remains unverified, it illustrates Beijing’s urgency in mastering quantum sensing. Chinese military doctrine places emphasis on information dominance, and quantum radar fits perfectly into this model.

Canada’s QBTI (Quantum Benchmark Technologies Inc.) has reportedly developed a functioning quantum illumination system in partnership with the Canadian Forces. Their system is rumored to be deployed in Arctic surveillance operations, providing early warnings against low-flying aircraft and hypersonic glide vehicles.

The United States, although silent on operational deployments, is deeply invested via DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman. Projects like the Quantum Aperture Radar and Ghost Imaging programs point toward near-future breakthroughs.

Russia is believed to be exploring quantum-based radar fusion with existing air defense systems like the S-500, though credible sources are sparse. However, their history in cryogenic tech and superconductors offers them an edge if properly mobilized.

India’s Quantum Radar Use Cases and Scenarios

The primary use case for India’s quantum radar is stealth detection. This includes spotting fifth-generation aircraft like China’s J-20, U.S. F-35, and future sixth-gen platforms. In addition, it would help track low-flying cruise missiles and swarms of stealth drones.

In naval defense, quantum radar could monitor underwater anomalies or cloaked submarines using quantum acoustic sensing hybrids. Along the mountainous LAC and LOC borders, the system could detect UAV infiltration, movement of stealth vehicles, or even camouflaged radar-absorbing infrastructure.

Space applications are also possible. Quantum-enhanced sensors could be deployed on satellites to monitor hypersonic vehicles or atmospheric threats beyond traditional radar reach. This would integrate with India’s Integrated Space Command plans.

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Challenges to Overcome: Science Meets Scale

Despite the promise, quantum radar faces many technical hurdles. Quantum entanglement is fragile — maintaining it over long distances and varied conditions requires sophisticated optical systems and cryogenics.

Signal-to-noise ratio must be extremely high to differentiate between true reflections and quantum noise. Developing photon pair sources that are reliable, scalable, and portable is a big challenge.

Then there's integration — putting all the optical, cryogenic, and quantum components into a mobile platform, be it an aircraft, warship, or mountaintop base. India’s military systems often operate in harsh environments where even conventional electronics struggle. Making quantum systems field-ready will require innovation across multiple domains.

Q&A Section

Q1: Can quantum radar detect stealth aircraft better than AESA radar?
Yes. While AESA is powerful, quantum radar can detect low-RCS targets even in high noise, making it a superior counter-stealth system in theory.

Q2: How close is India to fielding an operational system?
India may be within 5–8 years of deploying a demonstrator. Initial deployments may begin with static systems in strategic regions before mobile versions appear.

Q3: Will quantum radar replace traditional radar?
No. It will complement it. Quantum radar will serve niche roles — such as stealth detection — while AESA and pulse-Doppler radar continue broader airspace control.

Wrapping Up

India’s foray into quantum radar represents more than just defense modernization — it is a signal to adversaries that traditional stealth is no longer a shield. While challenges remain, the foundations have been laid by India’s scientists, engineers, and strategic partners.

In the coming decade, quantum radar may become one of the few technologies that redefine air dominance, not through firepower but through vision — seeing the unseen. For India, that may prove to be the ultimate act of deterrence.

Trusted sources: Defense News, MIT Technology Review, IISc, DARPA, Thales Group