On Monday, March 17, 2025, a briefing was held at the Club of the Military University of Technology (WAT) in Warsaw, attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs Krzysztof Gawkowski, as well as Deputy Ministers Stanisław Wziątek and Paweł Olszewski, and representatives of the Polish Armed Forces. The meeting focused on the presentation of research findings on the use of quantum key distribution in state communications.
Photos: senior corporal Wojciech Król/MODN
“If we want to be secure, we must protect the databases we have. Data confidentiality, personal data protection, and their application in all areas of our lives are crucial today. Data, knowledge, and access to databases have become the most valuable currency and often the most sought-after asset in the world. This is something we must absolutely protect. (…) Poland has developed the best quantum communication system, ensuring the security of transmitted data,” said Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz during a meeting at the Military University of Technology.
“The implementation of the latest technologies will determine our defense potential and national security. Two weeks ago, the Center for Artificial Intelligence Implementation was launched. Previously, we discussed the Artificial Intelligence Factory in Kraków, established by the Prime Minister at AGH University of Krakow—I am very grateful for that. AGH, the University of Warsaw, the Warsaw University of Technology, the Wrocław University of Science and Technology, and the Gdańsk University of Technology all have great potential when it comes to research and innovation. The Military University of Technology also has a great potential, there is strong integration between defense and state security services—not just the military, but also other agencies under the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, the integration between the Ministry of Digital Affairs and the scientific community is yielding positive results. We are here together with Minister Wziątek, who oversees higher education institutions at the Ministry of National Defense. I am very pleased that military universities have embraced innovation and new technologies,” stated Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz’s following the meeting at the Military University of Technology.
The pioneering connection between the Military University of Technology and the Ministry of Digital Affairs, utilizing quantum key distribution (QKD), has demonstrated the potential for enhancing digital independence and the capabilities of Polish devices in secure communication. The domestic quantum communication technology ensures complete resistance to interception of transmitted information.
“The established connection is proof that Poland is becoming a leader in the development of quantum technologies. The design and implementation of our own QKD system strengthen our national security and digital sovereignty. Thanks to Polish solutions, we can not only protect critical telecommunication and IT systems but also foster the growth of an innovation-driven economy. Quantum technologies will be applied in many sectors, such as transportation, communication, administration, and healthcare. We are stepping into a new era of responsibility for Poland’s security,” said Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski during the meeting.
“Quantum communication enables the secure transmission of cryptographic keys to encryption systems. Transmitting data through quantum channels—via fiber optics or satellites—can safeguard government communications, intelligence agencies, the military, as well as banking, energy, water supply, and transportation systems. There is already interest from administrative entities such as the Ministry of Finance, as well as from banks. I believe that in healthcare, where frequent consultations and the exchange of highly sensitive medical data occur, this technology will have significant applications. I would like to sincerely thank Prime Minister Gawkowski and the entire team at the Ministry of Digital Affairs for their excellent collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence—through the AI Factory and AI implementation efforts—but today, especially for these quantum solutions, on which our teams have been working together,” said the Minister of National Defense.
The System of Modular Optical Quantum Cryptography Units was developed as part of a project led by the Military University of Technology (WAT) in collaboration with Teldat and NASK – National Research Institute, funded by NCBR under the research program for national defense and security. The project also involved the Ministry of Digital Affairs, along with entities specializing in this field.
The Optokrypt project was initiated and is overseen by the Cyberspace Defense Forces, which, as the designated authority, set new standards and directions for the development of secure data transmission. The Cyberspace Defense Forces also serve as the project’s main coordinator, participating in supervision, evaluation, and implementation of its results. The system was tested in operational conditions, confirming that it has achieved Technology Readiness Level 9 (TRL 9)—the highest level on the nine-point scale. The project has been completed and submitted to NCBR as ready for acceptance. The final evaluation by military experts and formal completion of the project are planned by the end of Q1 2025.
The demonstration connection between the Ministry of Digital Affairs and WAT utilized two QKD sets and a trusted node at NASK. The connection was secured using the IPSEC protocol with AES-256 encryption, ensuring complete resistance to data interception.
“The shift in encryption principles enabled by quantum key distribution technology opens a new chapter in cybersecurity. Introducing this technology into public administration systems, the defense sector, and the economy will allow us to build a communication infrastructure resilient to future threats. With QKD technology, we can develop communication systems resistant to the most advanced threats, including attacks utilizing quantum computers. This is a revolution in how we think about data security,” said Deputy Minister of Digital Affairs Paweł Olszewski.
The result of this collaboration is a QKD system with an unprecedented level of security in telecommunications. QKD technology ensures complete resistance to interception and eavesdropping of transmitted information. This solution is a key component of the European satellite communication initiative.
“The solutions developed within the Optokrypt project open up new opportunities for both the public and private sectors. The Polish technological expertise behind the QKD system ensures our independence from external suppliers and the ability to develop further innovations in the field of quantum communication. It is also worth noting that a pioneer of quantum information theory and a co-creator of quantum cryptography is a Pole—Professor Artur Ekert,” emphasized Radosław Nielek, Director of NASK.
The Polish Armed Forces classify quantum technologies as part of the group of so-called disruptive technologies, whose development could lead to groundbreaking solutions that transform the modern battlefield. In the face of threats and operational opportunities, Poland must be an active and influential player to avoid being left on the sidelines of technological progress. Quantum technologies are also dual-use technologies, meaning they can be applied for both military and civilian purposes. They present an opportunity for a breakthrough in achieving an unprecedented level of confidentiality in communication and data exchange, thereby enhancing the cybersecurity of the entire nation.
Poland at the forefront of the European QKD network
Poland is actively participating in the European EuroQCI project, which aims to develop quantum infrastructure for European Union countries. The EuroQCI project is part of a broader initiative in which the European Commission collaborates with all 27 EU member states and the European Space Agency (ESA). The project envisions the construction of terrestrial fiber-optic QKD networks, which will be interconnected via satellites.
Our country boasts the largest quantum key exchange network in Europe, Pionier-Q—a 1,770 km fiber-optic infrastructure, forming the QKD backbone network connecting Warsaw, Poznań, Gdańsk, Kraków, and Wrocław. This places Poland second globally, right after China. The development of quantum communication technology involves the Pionier-Q consortium (PCSS, NASK, ICM, WCSS, AGH, TASK) as well as other Polish entities, such as Creotech and Exatel, which are actively contributing to the development of European cybersecurity standards.
Thanks to the efforts of Polish scientists, the first version of QKD technology is now ready for deployment. This marks a breakthrough in protecting strategic state data and critical infrastructure. The system enables encrypted communication between data centers and public administration institutions, ensuring the highest level of information security.
The Optokrypt project opens up new opportunities not only for public administration but also for the financial and defense sectors. QKD technology can also be applied to future solutions, such as quantum satellite communication and ultra-secure cloud services.
“The Military University of Technology conducts fundamental research in the field of photonic quantum systems and carries out research and implementation projects on quantum technologies for military applications and the economy. For over 70 years, we have been educating both military and civilian personnel, preparing future engineers—commanders—as well as a new generation of IT specialists—quantum computing experts. All of this is aimed at enhancing the security of our country,” said Rector-Commandant of the Military University Of Technology, Brigadier General Prof. Dr. Eng. Przemysław Wachulak.
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