TECH – China is taking a leap from laboratory theory into practical military use with what is being described as the world’s first portable quantum radio, now undergoing field tests with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) border troops. This prototype, roughly 6.6 pounds (about 3 kg), has already shown it can pick up radio signals from tens of miles away during recent trials — and relay decoded data to operators in real time, a notable first for such compact quantum communication gear.
Traditional military radios often struggle in rugged environments like valleys or dense forests, where signals can bounce off terrain or weaken to the point of failure. PLA engineers say this pocket-sized quantum radio is designed precisely to fill that gap, offering a robust alternative when standard systems falter. “This successful experiment will provide a new means of communication for any new combat force,” said engineer Zhan Zihao, underscoring how the device could support troops in challenging locations where conventional infrastructure is limited.
At its core, the technology shrinks what used to be bulky antenna hardware into a few centimetres of quantum-enabled receiving circuitry, without sacrificing signal strength or range. Despite its smaller form, the prototype reportedly matches larger legacy systems in field performance — a critical step that allows a single soldier to carry advanced communication gear without being weighed down.
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The PLA conducted initial tests in the Saibei grasslands north of the Great Wall, where the quantum radio functioned under realistic field conditions. After this success, developers plan additional trials in coastal frontier positions to further evaluate reliability and adaptability.
Officials involved in the project say this experiment is part of broader efforts to bring next-generation technologies — including quantum communication, sensing, and computing — out of research labs and into real-world military operations. One unnamed Information Support Force representative noted that such innovations are “gradually transitioning” from theoretical tools to active field assets.
China’s push into quantum tech comes amid intense global competition; Beijing and Washington are both investing heavily in quantum capabilities seen as potential force multipliers for communication security, sensing precision, and battlefield awareness. Observers believe devices like portable quantum radios could dramatically reshape future conflict zones, especially where reliable connectivity is critical.
In this contest of cutting-edge innovation, what once existed only on lab benches is now marching toward operational readiness — and that may rewrite the rules of how soldiers communicate when infrastructure fails.
