STV & Post-Quantum partner to deliver quantum-safe defence tech

STV Group has signed a multi-year licence agreement with Post-Quantum, forming a strategic partnership to deploy quantum-safe communications technology across Europe, NATO, and international defence markets.

The agreement will see STV integrate Post-Quantum's communications platform, which is intended to defend against emerging quantum computing threats, into its defence solutions currently used worldwide, including active deployment in Ukraine.

Quantum computing risk

Quantum computing has advanced rapidly, with experts noting that it could break conventional encryption techniques. This risk has led to concerns that sensitive data currently being intercepted and stored by adversaries could be decrypted in the future once such computing power becomes widely available. Defence and security organisations are among those facing the highest level of risk.

The partnership is positioned as a direct response to these concerns. By combining Post-Quantum's technology with STV's defence platforms, the companies aim to address both new and existing threats linked to quantum computing's evolution.

The new agreement includes both the licensing of Post-Quantum's technology and a Strategic Cooperation Agreement that will accelerate joint efforts in deploying secure communications solutions designed to withstand advanced quantum-enabled hacking attempts.

Statements from leadership

JUDr. Pavel Kudrhalt, CEO of STV, said: "This isn't just about acquiring technology - it's about building an uncompromising, end-to-end secure ecosystem for the future. Our customers demand full supply chain assurance, from manufacturing and tamper-proof transport to deployment and monitoring. With the rising threat of 'Harvest Now, Decrypt Later' attacks, quantum-safe defences are no longer optional. Post-Quantum's platform doesn't just lead the field - it allows STV to be the first-mover to redefine the very standards of digital trust in defence solutions. By embedding their technology into our portfolio, we are giving NATO allies, EU partners, and national clients the strongest possible protection for the quantum era - whether that's safeguarding command and control chains, operating mission-critical drones, or deploying munitions in battlefield communications."

Rikky Hasan, CEO of Post-Quantum, described the partnership as a significant step for cyber defence and security, especially for sensitive operations vulnerable to quantum computing-based threats.

Rikky Hasan, CEO of Post-Quantum, added: "STV's vision and leadership in defence innovation make them the ideal partner. Together we are unleashing a new wave of secure, quantum-safe solutions that protect the world's most sensitive data against today's adversaries and tomorrow's quantum threats. Our modular approach to Identity, Transmission and Encryption - already proven in NATO environments - offers the fastest and most agile way to integrate into STV's global portfolio. This is a proud moment for both companies, and a milestone for global cybersecurity."

Technical background

Post-Quantum's platform is modular, covering identity, data transmission, and encryption, and is described as compatible with a range of existing systems to ease integration into established defence operations. The company's cryptographic tools have been tested in NATO environments and are already supporting critical infrastructure and financial institutions.

STV expects to use Post-Quantum's cryptographic technology to enhance the security of various applications, including command and control systems, unmanned platforms, and battlefield communications.

Defence sector focus

The need for robust quantum-safe encryption has been highlighted by ongoing geopolitical tensions and the increased prevalence of cyberattacks targeting defence and government networks. The companies state their partnership will provide supply chain assurance, with security built into manufacturing, transport, deployment, and ongoing monitoring of systems.

The companies emphasised the importance of defending against "Harvest Now, Decrypt Later" attacks. These are scenarios where adversaries collect encrypted communications now, intending to break the encryption once quantum resources become available.

The agreements between STV and Post-Quantum mark a further move by the defence sector to set standards and adopt technology in anticipation of the risks that quantum computing may pose to data security worldwide.

Both firms share a stated objective to ensure that critical communications systems remain secure and operational, even if quantum computer-enabled cyber threats become a reality.