Indra Space leads IberianQCI to secure communications in Spain and Portugal with quantum technology

 

Indra Space takes over the coordination of IberianQCI, the quantum gateway of Southwest Europe

 

The technology and defense company Indra Space assumes leadership of the project IberianQCI (Iberian Quantum Communications Infrastructure), a strategic initiative that positions the Iberian Peninsula as a crucial node in the future European quantum communications network, known as EuroQCIThe official launch of the project took place on May 14th in Lisboa, in an event at the facilities of Infraestructuras de Portugal which included the participation of the Portuguese Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Miguel Pinto.

 

This project seeks to ensure high-level communications between the member states of the Unión EuropeaProtecting critical infrastructure and sensitive information using technologies resilient to future cyber threats, especially those arising from quantum computing. As highlighted Catarina Bastos, Head of Quantum Networks of Indra SpaceDuring the launch meeting, the goal was to "build the quantum gateway to Southwest Europe."

 

A hybrid architecture to guarantee connectivity

 

The project IberianQCI, with a duration of 42 months, is designed to interconnect the national quantum infrastructures of España y Portugalcreating a network fully interoperable with the continental architecture EuroQCIIts design combines terrestrial and space components to overcome geographical and technical limitations.

 

On its land-based aspect, a key cross-border connection will be established between Vigo (España) and Valença (Portugal) through trusted nodes. Meanwhile, the space component is fundamental for connecting non-neighboring countries and covering large distances. Three optical stations will be installed in Madrid, Barcelona and the south of Portugal, connected to the terrestrial network in LisboaAn additional station in Vigo will expand access to the space segment.

 

These stations will allow connection with the low-Earth orbit satellite EAGLE-1 and the future constellation SAGAthus ensuring robust and scalable coverage throughout the Unión Europea.

 

Characteristic of the IberianQCI Project	Detail
Duration	42 months
Cross-border land connection	Vigo (España) – Valença (Portugal)
Space Optical Stations	Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Southern Portugal and Vigo
Satellite Connection	Satellite EAGLE-1 and constellation SAGA

 

Anticipating the threat of quantum computing

 

The development of this infrastructure responds to an imminent strategic need. The arrival of quantum computers represents a paradigm shift in cybersecurity, as their computing power could break current encryption systems in seconds. quantum key distribution (QKD), technology on which it is based EuroQCIIt offers a solution.

 

This system uses the quantum properties of photons to transmit information, allowing for continuous verification of whether a communication has been intercepted. While fiber optics have distance limitations (around 100 km), the use of satellites eliminates this barrier, as signal attenuation in space is lower, allowing any distance to be covered securely.

 

A top-tier technology consortium

 

In the project IberianQCI, Indra Space It coordinates a high-profile consortium that brings together scientific, technological and industrial entities from both countries:

 

• Portugal: Infraestructuras de Portugal, IP Telecom, Instituto de Telecomunicações, Altice Labs e Instituto Superior Técnico.
• . Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Telefónica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Instituto de Ciencias Fotónicas de Barcelona, Centro de Supercomputación de Galicia y Universidad de Vigo.

 

This leadership consolidates the position of Indra Space in the sector, which through Hispasat also leads Q-Design, a pioneering project worldwide that will combine QKD through geostationary and low orbit satellites.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about IberianQCI and quantum communication

 

What are the implications of IberianQCI for the security of my company in Spain?

In the long term, this technology will offer a new security standard for the transmission of critical data. For companies in strategic sectors such as banking, defense, energy, or critical infrastructure, IberianQCI It is the first step towards accessing inviolable communication networks, protecting intellectual property, financial transactions and sensitive operations against future quantum attacks.

 

Why is a hybrid network with satellites necessary and not just fiber optics?

Current quantum key distribution (QKD) technology using fiber optics has a limited effective range of approximately 100-150 kilometers. To cover a large area like the Iberian Peninsula and connect with other non-bordering European countries, a satellite component is essential. Satellites act as trusted nodes in space, capable of relaying quantum keys over any distance without the attenuation limitations of fiber optics.

 

What position does this project give to Spain and Portugal in Europe?

Leading the Southwest Europe segment makes España y Portugal in key actors in technological and digital sovereignty UEThis project positions the region as a hub of innovation in deep technologies (deep tech), attracting investment, specialized talent and fostering a high value-added industrial ecosystem around cybersecurity and the communications of the future.