Arqit, Es’hailSat and AIEE Demonstrate Quantum-Safe Satellite Communications

Insider Brief

• Arqit Quantum, Es’hailSat and AIEE demonstrated quantum-safe encryption across operational satellite communications infrastructure in Qatar.
• The demonstration integrated Arqit’s encryption technology into Es’hailSat’s live satellite environment at its 25.5/26° East hotspot and Tier-4 certified Teleport facility in Doha.
• The companies said the test showed quantum-safe protection could be added to existing satellite-connected networks without disrupting systems, services or operational performance.

PRESS RELEASE – Arqit Quantum Inc. (NASDAQ: ARQQ, ARQQW), a global leader in quantum-safe encryption, Es’hailSat – the Qatar Satellite Company – a world-class satellite operator and service provider with coverage spanning the MENA region – and Advanced International Electronic Equipment Company (AIEE), a specialist systems integrator for secure communications infrastructure, today announced the successful demonstration of quantum-safe security across operational satellite communications infrastructure.

The collaboration demonstrates a practical way for satellite operators and critical infrastructure providers to strengthen communications resilience in the face of emerging quantum threats, without interrupting live operations.

As governments and infrastructure operators prepare for the cybersecurity implications of quantum computing, protecting long-life communications infrastructure is becoming increasingly important. This is particularly relevant in sectors where reliability and operational continuity are critical.

The collaboration integrated Arqit’s quantum-safe encryption technology within Es’hailSat’s live satellite environment at 25.5/26° East hotspot, using existing operational infrastructure of Es’hailSat’s Tier-4 certified Teleport facility in Doha. The demonstration showed how quantum-safe cryptographic protection can be introduced across existing satellite-connected networks with no adverse effect to existing systems, services or operational performance.

The project validates a practical and feasible route for introducing quantum-safe protection into existing satellite environments supporting government, enterprise, maritime, energy and critical infrastructure communications.

Es’hailSat provided the operational satellite environment using Es’hail-1 satellite for the demonstration, while AIEE led systems integration and interoperability testing across the ground and network infrastructure.

“Satellite infrastructure supports some of the world’s most operationally sensitive environments,” said Andy Leaver, CEO of Arqit. “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. That operational reality matters especially in critical infrastructure environments, where disruption simply isn’t an option.”

Mr. Ali Al Kuwari, President & CEO of Es’hailSat, said: “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. This collaboration reflects our commitment to exploring technologies that can strengthen long-term communications resilience while maintaining operational continuity for customers and stakeholders operating critical services

Adam St Paul, Chief Technology Officer, AIEE, said: “This demonstration shows that organisations do not need to replace existing systems to achieve stronger security. By introducing quantum-safe protection into operational environments, satellite operators and critical infrastructure providers can ensure their communications remain resilient against the growing challenges posed by both state and non-state actors, while maintaining the continuity and reliability upon which their operations depend.”

The successful demonstration establishes a foundation for future quantum-safe satellite communications deployment, supporting secure enterprise connectivity, sovereign communications resilience, and the long-term protection of critical infrastructure.