Defense Domain • 4 Solutions

Quantum-Safe Sonar & Underwater

Protect submarine communications, sonar data pipelines, underwater acoustic networks, and subsea sensor systems against quantum computing threats. From PQC-encrypted acoustic modems to AI-powered sonar classification with quantum-safe integrity across every underwater defense layer.

QS Acoustic Modem

PQC-encrypted underwater acoustic communications using ML-KEM key exchange integrated at the physical layer, enabling quantum-safe data transmission through challenging subsea acoustic channels.

Sonar Data Protection

ML-KEM + AES-256 hybrid encryption for the entire sonar-to-combat system data chain, ensuring intercepted sonar intelligence remains secure against future quantum decryption.

AI-PQC Sonar Classification

Machine learning sonar target classification with a fully PQC-secured inference pipeline, delivering trusted underwater situational awareness with quantum-safe chain of custody for all classification outputs.

Why sonar & underwater systems are vulnerable

Submarine and underwater defense systems rely on encrypted communications channels and authenticated data links that use RSA, ECC, and Diffie-Hellman key exchange. Cryptographically relevant quantum computers will break every one of these algorithms, exposing the most sensitive undersea operations to adversarial exploitation.

Harvest-now-decrypt-later attacks are already capturing encrypted submarine communications and sonar data transmissions for future quantum decryption. Underwater acoustic networks, which carry critical tactical and strategic intelligence, face complete compromise once quantum computers mature.

  • Submarine communication encryption (RSA, ECC, DH) broken by quantum computers
  • Sonar data interception enables harvest-now-decrypt-later attacks on undersea intelligence
  • Underwater acoustic network key exchange vulnerable to quantum-capable adversaries
  • VLF/ELF strategic communication channels face quantum compromise of key management
  • Subsea sensor networks rely on classical group key protocols susceptible to quantum attack
  • Sonar-to-combat system data chain authentication defeated by quantum-era cryptanalysis

Domain Specifications

ParameterValue
Solutions Available4 quantum-safe solutions
FPGA Solutions3 (acoustic modem, sonar data chain, AI-PQC)
ASIC Solutions1 (submarine comms encryptor)
COTS Solutions1 (submarine comms encryptor)
Firmware & Platforms1 (AI sonar classification)
AI-Integrated1 (sonar target classifier)
StandardsFIPS 203, 204, CNSA 2.0
Migration Phase2025-2030 (hybrid first)

All Quantum-Safe Sonar & Underwater Solutions

SolutionTypeDescription
QS Acoustic ModemFPGAPQC-encrypted underwater acoustic communications with ML-KEM key exchange at the physical layer
PQC-Secured Sonar Data ChainFPGAML-KEM + AES-256 hybrid encryption for the complete sonar-to-combat system data pipeline
QS-Submarine Comms EncryptorASIC, COTSPost-quantum VLF/ELF communication encryption module for strategic submarine communications
AI-PQC Sonar ClassificationSoftware, FPGAML sonar target classification with PQC-secured inference pipeline and authenticated outputs

FPGA Solutions for Sonar & Underwater

SolutionDescription
QS Acoustic ModemSynthesizable RTL core implementing ML-KEM-768 key exchange integrated with underwater acoustic modem signal processing. Supports adaptive modulation with quantum-safe session establishment over challenging subsea channels. Field-upgradeable for algorithm agility.
PQC-Secured Sonar Data ChainFPGA IP core providing ML-KEM + AES-256 hybrid encryption for the full sonar data pipeline from hydrophone array through beamforming and signal processing to combat management system ingestion. Minimal latency impact on real-time sonar data flow.
AI-PQC Sonar ClassificationNeural network inference engine for sonar target classification with PQC-secured model loading, acoustic data ingestion, and ML-DSA signed classification outputs. Integrates with existing sonar processing subsystems.

ASIC Solutions for Sonar & Underwater

SolutionDescription
QS-Submarine Comms EncryptorDedicated ASIC with integrated PQC key exchange for VLF/ELF submarine communication channels. Lowest power and size for submarine integration with tamper-resistant packaging and TEMPEST-compliant design. Also available as COTS drop-in module for retrofit into existing submarine communication suites.

AI-Integrated Sonar & Underwater Solutions

SolutionDescription
AI-PQC Sonar ClassificationMachine learning model trained on extensive sonar signature databases for automated target classification including submarines, surface vessels, torpedoes, mines, and biologics. The full acoustic-to-classification pipeline is PQC-secured with ML-KEM encrypted data flows and ML-DSA signed classification results for quantum-safe chain of custody and trusted underwater situational awareness.

Flexible Integration Options

Choose the delivery model that matches your underwater platform's integration requirements.

Soft IP

Synthesizable RTL

Complete source cores for integration into your sonar processing, acoustic modem, or submarine communications FPGA or ASIC. Includes testbench, verification suite, and integration guides.

Firm IP

Optimized Netlists

Pre-characterized for Xilinx UltraScale+, Intel Agilex, or specific ASIC nodes. Guaranteed timing closure and performance for latency-critical underwater applications.

COTS Module

Drop-In Upgrade

Standalone PQC encryption modules for retrofit into existing submarine communication suites and sonar systems without hardware redesign. TEMPEST-compliant and ruggedized for subsea deployment.

Adjacent Defense Domains

Quantum-safe solutions that complement sonar and underwater system security.

Secure your underwater systems against quantum threats

Contact us for quantum vulnerability assessments, solution evaluations, or custom integration for your sonar and submarine platform.