Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Arqit and Blue Bear collaborate on security of autonomous systems

Aerospace Security

Arqit and Blue Bear collaborate on security of autonomous systems

Quantum encryption tech specialist, Arqit Quantum Inc., has entered into an agreement with Blue Bear Systems Research Ltd., supplier of unmanned and autonomous systems for defence and civil customers, that will see the two companies jointly demonstrate the implementation of Arqit’s quantum encryption capabilities on Blue Bear unmanned systems in the critical land, maritime and aerospace domains.

Image courtesy Blue Bear

Blue Bear has a variety of next generation unmanned and autonomous systems that are already deployed with its defence customers and the application of QuantumCloud will provide Arqit’s provably secure encryption across its range of products.

The Blue Bear Smart Connect avionics, which rapidly converts basic vehicles into highly autonomous vehicles tasked via its Centurion Swarm Mission System, will host QuantumCloud. Blue Bear’s solutions use a communication architecture which is multi-layer with communication bearers ranging from SATCOMs, terrestrial datalinks to 5G.  Its specific focus over the last 12 years is Multi-Domain Integrated operations, which optimise use of unmanned air, ground and maritime vehicle and manned-unmanned teaming.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle

Blue Bear CEO Dr Yoge Patel said: “Arqit’s security solution is a superb addition to Blue Bear’s 5th generation modular, Open Architecture avionics solutions, which have accrued many flight hours for both singleton UAS and swarm UAS operations in highly complex use cases. We have been awaiting feasible solutions to robustly secure unmanned operations for many years and QuantumCloud offers all the attributes we seek.”

Arqit Founder, David Williams added: “Partnering with Blue Bear to apply QuantumCloud on autonomous systems in live environments is a great opportunity to demonstrate to new defence customers that Arqit has solved the security layer problem in the Joint All Domain Command and Control mission.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

 

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
ITSA sees UK connector sales up in 2025

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ITSA sees UK connector sales up in 2025

5 February 2026

The Interconnect Technology Suppliers Association (ITSA) has revealed its members reported sales in 2025 were up by 5% over 2024 but that orders and business to business sales, were flat.

CAA sets guidance on emissions information

Aerospace

CAA sets guidance on emissions information

5 February 2026

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today published a new framework that sets out guidance and principles on the information airlines and other booking organisations should provide to passengers.

Returning to STEM after career break becomes harder than ever

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Returning to STEM after career break becomes harder than ever

4 February 2026

Returning to STEM industries after a career break is now harder than ever, according to new research by STEM Returners, with bias against gender, age, ethnicity and a lack of recent experience penalising highly qualified people from getting a job.

Aston University and Aurrigo to enhance AVs with AI

Aerospace

Aston University and Aurrigo to enhance AVs with AI

4 February 2026

Aston University has joined forces with Aurrigo, to develop AI to make its airport autonomous vehicles (AVs) fleet even more efficient, responsive and sustainable.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
IBA and STS launch asset management and advisory partnership

Aerospace

IBA and STS launch asset management and advisory partnership

4 February 2026

IBA Group Limited and Shannon Technical Services (STS) have announced a new partnership designed to meet increasing demand from aircraft lessors, airlines and MROs for integrated aircraft data, advisory and technical support services.

UK-Japan partnerships advance quantum and future connectivity tech

Aerospace Defence Security Space

UK-Japan partnerships advance quantum and future connectivity tech

4 February 2026

Joint investments will advance quantum technology, boost digital connectivity and strengthen network resilience against cyber threats.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Advertisement
ECS leaderboard banner