36315 Quantum Cryptography for UAVs: Enhancing Security and Collision Avoidance in Next-Generation Aerial Systems
Rishav Srivastav, Khyati Sinha, Aryaman Gautam +2 more
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have accordingly been successfully integrated into different industries, including military, healthcare, and education, because of their diverse applications and sophisticated capabilities. Nevertheless, UAVs are increasingly confronted with significant security and operational issues related to communications and collision avoidance. This chapter will discuss in detail the convergence of quantum cryptography with UAVs for enhanced security against these problems. Starting with a critical examination of the literature on the subject at hand, the paper traces the historical evolution of cryptography and discusses the present trends in UAV technology. The existing security standards are discussed, including their shortcomings, paving the way for the need for stricter ones. The principles of quantum cryptography, including quantum key distribution (QKD), are briefly summarized below in relation to classical cryptography. In the case of UAV communications, challenges include uniqueness threats, the real-time context, and the recently emerging problem of collision, all of which should be addressed. The proposed layered architecture here will include quantum cryptography to guarantee data security while enhancing communication efficiency. This will provide a framework for future development by explaining in detail the design, implementation, and security mechanisms of the proposed solution. Its performance will be evaluated in various case studies of military, healthcare, and education environments. The performance evaluation parameters have been addressed in detail to emphasize the strengths of the system and areas for improvement. The research raises the newly arising collision problem with UAVs and offers quantum solutions to improve the collision avoidance mechanism. This chapter will describe in depth how quantum cryptography merges with UAVs for increased protection against these issues. Beginning with a critical study of the available literature on the topic at hand, the paper follows the historical development of cryptography and discusses the current trends in UAVs. The prevailing security standards are discussed, along with their limitations, leading to the necessity for stricter ones. The quantum cryptographic principles, such as QKD, are briefly summarized below as applied to classical cryptography. Uniqueness threats, the real-time context, and the recently emerging problem of collision are challenges that should be addressed in the case of UAV communications.
De Gruyter eBooks•Apr 28, 2025•0 citations