Post-Quantum Secure Communication and Surveillance for Air Traffic Managementcore
PostQat · Horizon Europe grant · 2026-09-01–2029-02-28
EC contribution
Total cost
Beneficiaries
About the data
Source: CORDIS (official EU open data), Horizon Europe. Framework HORIZON · call HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-ER-03 · scheme HORIZON-JU-RIA · topic HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-ER-03-WA1-3. CORDIS record →
Objective
PostQat addresses critical vulnerabilities in Air Traffic Management (ATM) communication and surveillance systems that remain unauthenticated and insecure, such as ADS-B, CPDLC, ACARS, and TCAS. The emergence of quantum computers will render current cryptography obsolete, creating an urgent need for quantum-resistant solutions.The project’s objectives are to: (1) assess cybersecurity needs in European ATM across ground–ground, air–ground, and air–air segments; (2) identify high-impact operational use cases where post-quantum cryptography (PQC) is most urgent; (3) define detailed requirements for quantum-resistant security mechanisms; and (4) design a blueprint for a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and crypto-agility framework tailored to aviation.These objectives will be achieved by surveying existing vulnerabilities, adapting NIST-standardised PQC algorithms to aviation’s safety-critical environment, and ensuring alignment with certification frameworks (DO-326A/ED-202A). PostQat will also leverage prior PQC research and provide open blueprints, benchmarks, and a practical roadmap for phased deployment.The project directly contributes to HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-ER-03 by operationalising PQC in ATM, strengthening the cybersecurity foundations of the Digital European Sky, and enabling secure, trusted data exchange for both manned and unmanned aviation.
Beneficiaries (5)
| Organisation | Country | Role | EC contribution | SME |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT DELFT | NL | coordinator | €352,929 | |
| FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV | DE | participant | €300,479 | |
| OFFICE NATIONAL D'ETUDES ET DE RECHERCHES AEROSPATIALES | FR | participant | €207,318 | |
| navaid OÜ | EE | participant | €81,811 | Yes |
| OPENSKY NETWORK | CH | participant | €56,890 |
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