The integration of quantum cryptography (Al-Hraishawi et al., IEEE Open J the Commun Soc, 2024) in UAV is a big step toward the future as it is used on a lot of sides, such as military, security, surveillance, and monitoring of harsh terrain. With it, a lot of lives can be saved. The traditional cryptographic techniques are not enough for securing the data integrity and confidentiality as they are based on mathematics, but Quantum-based will provide certain guaranteed security as it is based on quantum mechanics, which has the advantages of no eavesdropping and can’t be hacked. This study examines how quantum cryptography can be included into Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), highlighting how important it is to improve security in a number of domains, such as the military, security, and surveillance. In contrast to traditional cryptography methods, quantum-based cryptography addresses crucial vulnerabilities related to hacking and eavesdropping by providing unparalleled security measures based on the ideas of quantum mechanics. This article’s literature review focuses on the use of quantum cryptography in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), emphasizing how important it is to maintain data integrity and secrecy in high-risk situations like military operations and surveillance missions. It is important because it solves the drawbacks of conventional cryptography techniques and offers strong security features that are necessary to protect private data and maintain confidentiality. A lot of the current research on quantum cryptography in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) ignores the special difficulties and possibilities that come with incorporating this technology. Furthermore, it falls short of fully addressing the drawbacks of conventional cryptography methods and the pressing requirement for quantum-based security risk mitigation solutions. This paper’s main goal is to critically evaluate the existing level of research on quantum cryptography integration in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and to highlight areas that still require investigation. Its specific goal is to evaluate how well-suited quantum-based security solutions are to counter the changing threats that UAVs confront in today’s security environments. By combining existing information and identifying new insights into the application of quantum cryptography in UAV security, this literature review makes a significant addition to the subject. It provides insightful advice for decision-makers, practitioners, and researchers looking to strengthen UAV security protocols by pointing out the drawbacks of conventional cryptography techniques and the promise of quantum-based alternatives. The literature review offers insights into the efficacy of quantum-based security measures in reducing threats to UAV communication systems by critically evaluating A-grade articles and foundational works in the field. It emphasizes the necessity of ethical concerns in UAV security protocols and emphasizes the significance of intuitive detection and prevention techniques to defeat potential quantum attacks. The results of this study of the literature highlight how important it is to include quantum cryptography to improve UAV security and resilience. Quantum-based solutions provide unmatched safety for sensitive data and crucial activities by offering strong encryption techniques and defense against new threats. The review’s ramifications are broad and cover a number of industries, including as the military, surveillance, and disaster relief, where trustworthy and secure communication is critical. In conclusion, this literature review highlights the capacity to transform quantum cryptography integration in UAV security. It identifies key areas for future research and underscores the importance of ongoing innovation in addressing the evolving threats faced by UAVs. By providing a comprehensive overview of current research findings and offering insights into future directions, this review contributes to the advancement of UAV security and resilience in an increasingly complex threat landscape.