A Cold War-era algorithm has been flown on drones for the first time, pointing to a new class of aerial systems built to withstand future quantum computing threats.
Developed through a collaboration between Czech-based STV Group and UK cybersecurity firm Post-Quantum, the companies reported successful trials of what they describe as the “world’s first quantum-safe drones.”
The system combines STV’s combat-tested platforms with Post-Quantum’s patented cryptography and radio technologies, resulting in a drone designed for use in contested environments.
At the center is Classic McEliece, a decades-old cryptographic algorithm that has remained unbroken for over 50 years, even as computing power has advanced.
While considered highly secure, the algorithm produces large amounts of data that can overwhelm a drone’s weak signal.
To solve this, the companies developed a new architecture that allows it to work even with low bandwidth, helping secure video feeds, images, and mission data during flights.
“Classic McEliece’s large key size has long been considered too large for real world deployments… We have proven that assumption wrong,” Post-Quantum Chief Executive Officer Rikky Hasan said.
Preparing for a Quantum Threat
Most current drone systems rely on conventional encryption, which could be considered secure today but could be broken by future quantum computers.
That creates a long-term risk for platforms expected to remain in service for years, where captured data could later be decrypted as quantum capabilities mature.
By integrating quantum-resistant cryptography, the new system aims to ensure that sensitive data remains protected regardless of future advances in computing.
“This partnership is about more than cryptography — it is about delivering a complete sovereign unmanned operations system, with quantum‑resilient security built in as standard,” Hasan stated.
The companies plan to expand the capability across allied defense programs, with future applications extending to ground and maritime systems.
