World's first portable quantum radio tested by China for border troops

China has developed and begun testing what is likely the world’s first portable quantum radio device, designed to enhance military communications in challenging environments where conventional systems fail. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has trialed a 6.6-pound prototype capable of receiving radio signals from several tens of miles away, even in obstructed terrains such as valleys, dense forests, steep canyons, and remote highlands. This compact device uses a miniaturized quantum reception mechanism, shrinking the antenna array to just a few centimeters without sacrificing signal strength, allowing a single soldier to carry it easily during frontline operations. This advancement marks a significant step in transitioning quantum technologies from laboratory research to practical military applications. The PLA’s Information Support Force is accelerating efforts to integrate quantum-based communication, detection, and computing tools into their cyber operations, aiming to gain strategic advantages in future conflicts. China’s progress in quantum technology, including the recent mass production of ultra-low-noise single-photon detectors for stealth tracking, reflects growing