Optimizing NIST Lattice-Based PQC (ML-KEM) on Embedded Drone Microcontrollers

Core aerospace engineering and protocols for Lightweight Airborne PQC.

The Vulnerability of Drones to Future Quantum Computers

Civil and military UAVs utilize RSA and elliptic-curve cryptography (ECDH/ECDSA) to secure wireless command links. When cryptanalytically relevant quantum computers emerge, these algorithms will be cracked instantly, allowing adversaries to hijack drones mid-flight.

Optimized Embedded Implementations of ML-KEM

UAVQuantum implements streamlined, constant-time assembly routines for NIST ML-KEM (Kyber) tailored for resource-constrained drone microcontrollers. Using hardware DSP multiply-accumulate instructions, post-quantum key exchanges complete in milliseconds with virtually zero impact on drone flight battery endurance.

Lattice-Based Cryptography: Implementing Learning with Errors (LWE) polynomial math on 32-bit silicon.
Stack Memory Optimization: Confining working RAM memory to under 8 KB during key generation.
Constant-Time Execution: Eliminating timing side-channels to defeat differential power analysis.
Energy Budgeting: Consuming less than 5 microjoules per decrypted command packet.

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