Arqit Quantum Announces Launch Of Ska Edge Controller Quantum-Safe Symmetric Key Agreement Communications Platform Designed To Meet The Needs Of Forward-Deployed Defense Operations

Arqit Quantum Inc. (Nasdaq: ARQQ, ARQQW) ("Arqit"), a global leader in quantum‑safe encryption, today announced the launch of SKA Edge Controller (SKA-EC), a ruggedised, quantum-safe Symmetric Key Agreement (SKA) communications platform designed to meet the needs of forward-deployed defense operations. The system enables rapid setup of secure, scalable command and control (C2) nodes in contested, disconnected and high-threat environments without the constraints of traditional encryption infrastructure.

SKA-EC extends Arqit's SKA-Platform™ to the tactical edge. It enables distributed and mobile force elements to operate securely and independently using small form-factor hardware appliances including BioDigitalPC® cards, COTS servers or virtualised cloud nodes.

By dynamically generating symmetric encryption keys across trusted endpoints, SKA-EC eliminates the operational risks of pre-shared keys (PSKs) and the complexity of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), offering a crypto-agile, zero trust ready solution built for high-tempo environments.

Designed specifically to support modern defense operations, SKA-EC enables:

• Quantum-safe security at the edge, ensuring future-proof protection against nation-state and quantum threats.
• Rapid deployment of secure force elements across remote, mobile or cloud environments.
• Distributed, scalable architecture supporting independent or interconnected C2 nodes.
• Resilience in contested environments, including disconnected or bandwidth-constrained operations.
• SWaP efficiency, reducing the cost, size, weight and logistics overhead of traditional cryptographic systems.
• Compliance with NSA, NIST, CSNA 2.0 and FIPS 140-3 standards, ensuring readiness for mission-critical deployments.