Ultra-Secure, Post-Quantum Communications and Encryptions (US-PQC/E)

Terra Quantum Falcon (TQF) is developing an advanced technology solution for quantum-secure communications which is designed for Special Operations Forces (SOF) and forward-deployed units operating in denied, degraded, intermittent, and low-bandwidth (DDIL) environments. By adapting its commercially deployed Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) algorithms, TQF is addressing the urgent need for infrastructure-free, resilient, and ultra-secure encryption in contested environments where traditional communication methods are insufficient. Under this Follow-On Phase II, TQF is focused on optimizing its PQC libraries for low-resource environments, ensuring secure operations even in the presence of adversarial threats such as jamming, replay attacks, and protocol exploitation. The key development efforts proposed by TQF include: (1)  Optimizing PQC for Low-Resource EnvironmentsTQF will enhance lattice-based key exchange (Kyber), hash-based authentication (SPHINCS+), and hybrid encryption schemes to minimize computational overhead, memory usage, and power consumption, making them viable for SOF and forward-deployed operations. (2)  Ensuring Secure Communications in Contested EnvironmentsTQF will simulate real-world cyber threats and network degradation scenarios to validate the resilience of its PQC-enhanced solutions. These tests will ensure that encrypted channels remain secure even under active disruption. (3)  Developing Lightweight Key Exchange ProtocolsTo support operations in disconnected or partially connected environments, TQF will explore decentralized authentication mechanisms, reducing reliance on centralized key servers and simplifying cryptographic handshake processes. (4)  Implementing Intrusion Detection and Adaptive Security MechanismsTQF will integrate behavioral anomaly detection models to identify adversarial tampering, unauthorized key usage, and side-channel attacks. Dynamic cryptographic adaptation will allow systems to switch PQC algorithms, adjust security levels, and modify key rotation schedules in response to detected threats. By combining efficient PQC implementations with adaptive security measures, TQF is developing a next-generation cryptographic framework that ensures secure communications and cyber resilience for SOF and forward-deployed units. These advancements will provide the U.S. Air Force with a key enabling technology capability to protect mission-critical data against both current and future quantum-enabled cyber threats.