New Delhi — In a major step toward defense modernization and self-reliance, the Indian Army has signed a landmark contract for the procurement of its first indigenously designed and manufactured Software Defined Radios (SDRs). Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), these state-of-the-art radios are set to transform military communication networks across the country.
Equipped with high data rates and Mobile Ad hoc Network (MANET) capabilities, the SDRs will ensure secure, real-time communication and enhance operational readiness in network-centric battlefields. “Indian Army has signed a contract for the procurement of its first indigenously designed and manufactured Software Defined Radios… These advanced SDRs will significantly enhance secure, real-time communication,” the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Earlier this month, the DRDO, in collaboration with the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) and Tri-Services, unveiled the Indian Radio Software Architecture (IRSA) standard 1.0. The IRSA defines standardized interfaces, APIs, and execution environments to ensure waveform portability, interoperability, certification, and conformance across SDR platforms.
The development of IRSA represents a major stride toward building an indigenous ecosystem for military communication technologies. Designed to evolve with operational requirements, IRSA lays the foundation for future technological integration, aligning with India’s vision of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” in defense systems.
A national workshop held at DRDO Bhawan in New Delhi on October 6 showcased the journey of IRSA, its technical framework, and collaborative roadmap. The event brought together top representatives from the Indian Armed Forces, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), industry, and academia.
DRDO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, presided as the Chief Guest, with Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, and IIT Gandhinagar Director Rajat Moona as Guests of Honour.
Initiated in 2021, the IRSA project was developed by a DRDO-led technical team with inputs from the Armed Forces and Integrated Defence Staff to address the growing demand for a unified national standard for SDRs. Approved in 2025 by the High-Level Advisory Committee (HLAC), IRSA Version 1.0 marks India’s first national software standard for radio communication systems.
The initiative aims not only to standardize communication across India’s military network but also to position IRSA as a global benchmark, enabling India to export IRSA-compliant SDR solutions to friendly nations.
