Quantum-secure communication: from promise to practical use

TNO is developing a ground station for the EAGLE-1 satellite mission. The ground station will offer organisations an opportunity to explore satellite-based QKD, examine realistic use cases and contribute to the development of a European quantum communication ecosystem.

Could your organisation become one of its first users?

Beyond the QKD versus PQC debate

Discussions about quantum-safe security are often framed as a choice between PQC and QKD. In practice, they fulfil different roles. PQC replaces vulnerable public-key algorithms with algorithms designed to resist attacks by both classical and quantum computers. It can be introduced through software, firmware and protocol updates, making it the logical starting point for quantum-safe migration.

QKD is a specialised method for establishing shared secret keys between authenticated endpoints. Its security basis differs from that of PQC because it uses quantum-physical principles rather than relying solely on the assumed difficulty of a mathematical problem.

QKD does not replace authentication, encryption, endpoint security or key management. It must be integrated into a wider security architecture. Its potential value lies in complementing other quantum-safe measures where long-term confidentiality, strategic importance or the consequences of compromise justify the additional infrastructure and complexity.

From technology to a credible use case

Before QKD can be used operationally, important questions must be answered:

• Which information needs to remain confidential, and for how long?
• Which endpoints or connections require additional assurance?
• What should QKD add to the existing security architecture?
• How will authentication, encryption and key management be organised?
• Which infrastructure and operational processes are required?
• Are the implementation, security assumptions and trust model sufficiently transparent?
• Is the expected security benefit proportionate to the cost and complexity?

TNO brings together expertise in quantum communication, cybersecurity, optical ground stations and system integration. Our role is to examine both the opportunities and the limitations of QKD, helping organisations move from general interest to a realistic assessment of technical, security and operational requirements.

The EAGLE-1 ground station

The EAGLE-1 ground station will provide a practical environment in which organisations and technology partners can explore satellite-based quantum key distribution. The ambition is to build an initial user community, identify credible applications and learn what is required to integrate QKD into real security architectures. This is relevant to:

• Cybersecurity companies developing quantum-safe services and solutions
• Quantum technology companies contributing hardware, software or system capabilities
• Policymakers working on digital sovereignty, critical infrastructure and quantum-safe transition
• Organisations investigating high-assurance communication use cases