New Delhi: The Indian Navy Quantum Radar Project is a major step towards next-generation modern warfare technology. India has invited startups and industries to develop an advanced unjammable quantum radar capable of detecting stealth aircraft.
Under the ADITI 4.0 initiative, the government is offering funding of up to ₹25 crore to support innovation in this critical defence technology.
The project focuses on building a prototype that uses quantum physics to overcome the limitations of traditional radar systems and strengthen India’s strategic defence capabilities.
What Is the Indian Navy Quantum Radar Project?
The Indian Navy has launched a challenge under the ADITI (Acing Development of Innovative Technologies) programme to develop a “sovereign quantum radar.”
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This radar will use quantum entanglement and photon-based sensing to detect targets that conventional radars cannot track.
The goal is clear:
- Build a working prototype
- Detect stealth aircraft effectively
- Ensure the system works even in electronic warfare conditions
The deadline for submissions is May 4, 2026.
₹25 Crore Funding Under ADITI 4.0
The government is offering up to ₹25 crore funding to selected startups or MSMEs.
This funding comes under the iDEX ADITI scheme, which aims to accelerate development of 30 critical defence technologies by 2026.
Key highlights:
- Focus on deep-tech innovation
- Encourages Indian startups
- Promotes defence self-reliance
This is not a typical procurement project. Instead, it is a co-development model where industry and military work together.
Why India Needs Quantum Radar
Traditional radars are becoming less effective against modern threats.
Problems with Current Radar Systems
- Stealth aircraft absorb or deflect radar waves
- Electronic jamming disrupts signals
- Advanced fighters like F-35 and J-20 are hard to detect
How Quantum Radar Solves This
Quantum radar works differently:
- Uses entangled photons instead of radio waves
- Detects even tiny disturbances in signals
- Cannot be easily jammed
Because of this, quantum radar can track objects designed to remain invisible.
How Quantum Radar Works
Quantum radar sends paired photons (entangled particles).
- One photon is sent toward the target
- The other stays in the system
- When the signal returns, both are compared
If anything interferes (like stealth aircraft), it is detected instantly. Even jamming attempts break the quantum link, alerting operators immediately.
What is the Importance of Indian Navy Quantum Radar Project
This project is part of India’s broader push toward quantum warfare technologies.
Key Benefits
- Detect stealth fighters and drones
- Improve air defence systems
- Reduce dependence on foreign technology
- Strengthen indigenous defence ecosystem
India is focusing on owning core technologies like quantum algorithms and photonics, which are expected to shape future warfare.
Role of DRDO and Defence Ecosystem
India already has a strong base in radar and defence R&D.
- DRDO is working on quantum and photonic radar systems
- Indian industry partners like BEL support production
- Startups are entering deep-tech defence innovation
This ecosystem makes India capable of transitioning from traditional radar to quantum systems.
India’s Growing Focus on Quantum Defence
The quantum radar project is part of a larger strategy:
- Quantum navigation systems (GPS-free navigation) already funded
- AI-enabled radar systems under development
- Quantum avionics for future fighter jets
India is preparing for next-generation warfare where electronics and AI dominate battlefields.
