Es’hailSat’s Tier-4 certified Teleport facility in Doha hosted a demonstration of quantum-safe encryption integrated with existing satellite infrastructure, a collaboration between Arqit, Es’hailSat, and AIEE, the company says. The project successfully introduced quantum-safe cryptographic protection across operational networks without affecting existing systems, validating a practical path for strengthening communications resilience against emerging quantum threats.
“What’s important about this project is that it proves a practical path to strengthening quantum-safe cryptographic resilience without requiring operators to rebuild existing infrastructure,” said Andy Leaver, CEO of Arqit. This demonstration, utilizing the Es’hail-1 satellite at the 25.5/26° East hotspot, establishes a foundation for secure satellite communications deployment and long-term protection of critical infrastructure.
Arqit, Es’hailSat, and AIEE Demonstrate Live Quantum-Safe Satellite Link
Satellite infrastructure supports some of the world’s most operationally sensitive environments, and a recent collaboration between Arqit Quantum Inc., Es’hailSat, and Advanced International Electronic Equipment Company (AIEE) demonstrated a live quantum-safe security link utilizing existing satellite communications infrastructure. This demonstration utilized the Es’hail-1 satellite positioned at the 25.5/26° East hotspot, a key broadcasting location for the Middle East and North Africa region. AIEE led the systems integration and interoperability testing, ensuring seamless operation across ground and network components.
The demonstration proved that quantum-safe cryptographic protection could be introduced into live, satellite-connected networks without disrupting existing services or operational performance, a crucial detail for sectors demanding uninterrupted connectivity. Adam St Paul, Chief Technology Officer, AIEE, added that organizations do not need to replace existing systems to achieve stronger security.
The collaboration validates a feasible route for implementing quantum-safe protection in environments supporting government, enterprise, maritime, energy, and critical infrastructure communications. The successful demonstration lays the groundwork for future deployments of quantum-safe satellite communications, bolstering secure enterprise connectivity, sovereign communications resilience, and the long-term protection of vital infrastructure.
Es’hailSat’s satellite networks are critical to Qatar’s national infrastructure, economic development and secure digital transformation across the Middle East and North Africa region.
Mr. Ali Al Kuwari, President & CEO of Es’hailSat
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