Indian Army signs contract to procure first indigenous Software Defined Radios(SDR) developed by DRDO and BEL

By R Anil Kumar 

• Indian Army signs contract to procure first indigenous Software Defined Radios(SDR) developed by DRDO and BEL

• The Indian Army has signed a landmark deal to procure its first indigenously designed and manufactured Software Defined Radios (SDR), developed by DRDO and produced by BEL. Equipped with high data rates and MANET capabilities

Bengaluru. In a major step toward modernising military communication systems, the Indian Army has signed a landmark contract for the procurement of its first indigenously designed and manufactured Software Defined Radios (SDR). This advanced Radio is developed by the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).

Network-centric warfare capabilities

The newly inducted SDRs are equipped with high data rates and Mobile Ad hoc Network (MANET) capabilities, which will allow the soldiers and commanders to maintain secure, real-time communication across various terrains and operational times.

These advanced radios will act like a backbone of a network-centric warfare system. The Software Defined Radio allows faster information exchange, improved situational awareness, and seamless coordination between different units of the Army.

The induction marks an important step towards self-reliance in military communication technologies, aligning with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

Confirmation from the Indian Army

Confirming the development, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) stated on their official X account: “Indian Army has signed a contract for the procurement of its first indigenously designed and manufactured Software Defined Radios, developed by DRDO and produced by BEL. Equipped with high data rates and MANET capabilities, these SDRs will significantly enhance secure, real-time communication and strengthen the Army’s operational readiness in information-intensive, network-centric battlefields.”

DRDO’s Indian Radio Software Architecture (IRSA) initiative

Earlier this month, the DRDO, in collaboration with the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) and Tri-Services, released the Indian Radio Software Architecture (IRSA) Standard 1.0 during a national workshop held at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi.

The IRSA framework serves as a unified software standard for SDRs, defining interfaces, APIs, execution environments, and waveform portability mechanisms. This ensures interoperability, certification, and conformance across various communication systems used by India’s Armed Forces.

Self-reliance and secure communication

With this development, India takes a significant step towards building a fully indigenous, interoperable, and secure communication network for its defence forces.

The DRDO-BEL partnership not only enhances operational readiness but also reduces dependency on foreign communication technologies, enhancing India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities.