Project description
Post-quantum security in air traffic management systems
The advancement of quantum computing will render existing cryptographic methods insufficient, making it imperative to develop solutions that are resistant to quantum attacks. In air traffic management (ATM), communication and surveillance systems may remain unauthenticated and insecure. The EU-funded PostQat project will enhance cybersecurity in ATM communication and surveillance systems by assessing needs across various segments and identifying urgent use cases for post-quantum cryptography (PQC). It will outline requirements for quantum-resistant security, design a public key infrastructure (PKI) tailored to aviation, and adapt NIST-standardised PQC algorithms for safety-critical environments. The project will provide blueprints and benchmarks, as well as assist in operationalising PQC in ATM. The goal is to secure data exchange in aviation.
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.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences computer security cryptography
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering computer hardware quantum computers
- natural sciences computer and information sciences data science data exchange
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.2.5 - Climate, Energy and Mobility
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-JU-RIA - HORIZON JU Research and Innovation Actions
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-ER-03
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
2628 CN Delft
Netherlands
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.