Indian Army to Procure First Indigenous Software‑Defined Radios

In a significant milestone for India’s defence communication capabilities, the Indian Army has signed a contract to procure its first indigenously designed and manufactured Software Defined Radios (SDRs). These SDRs have been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and will be produced by the Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).

What Are Software Defined Radios

Software Defined Radios (SDRs) are communication systems where traditional hardware components (mixers, modulators, filters) are replaced or augmented by software‑based modules. This gives major advantages including,

• Flexibility to switch waveforms or communication protocols via software updates.
• Interoperability across different platforms and services.
• Improved adaptability in battlefield conditions.

The particular SDRs procured by the Indian Army come equipped with high data‑rates and Mobile Ad hoc Network (MANET) capabilities, meaning units can communicate and form networked links even in dynamic, mobile operations.

The IRSA Standard: What It Means

• The DRDO, in collaboration with the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) and the tri‑services, launched the Indian Radio Software Architecture (IRSA) Version 1.0.
• This is India’s first national specification for SDRs, defining standardised interfaces, APIs (Application Programme Interfaces), execution environments and mechanisms for waveform portability (i.e., a waveform written for one radio can run on another compliant platform).
• The IRSA initiative ensures that SDR platforms made in India adhere to a common architecture — promoting interoperability, certification and future‑proofing of communication systems.

Strategic Significance

For Defence

• Enhances secure, network‑centric communication across Indian Army units, a key requirement in modern warfare.
• Moves India closer to self‑reliance in high‑tech defence electronics, reducing dependence on foreign imports.
• The standardisation via IRSA means reduced fragmentation, better lifecycle management, easier upgrades and export potential.

For Industry & Ecosystem

• The contract with BEL signals confidence in indigenous manufacturing capacity.
• Implementation of IRSA‑based SDRs creates a technology ecosystem — DRDO, DPSUs (Defence Public Sector Undertakings), industry, academia all collaborating.
• Potentially boosts exports: if Indian manufacturers produce IRSA compliant equipment, friendly nations could adopt it.

Static Takeaways for Exam Revision

• Indian Army signed contract in October 2025 for its first indigenously designed and manufactured SDRs.
• SDRs developed by DRDO; manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
• The software standard: Indian Radio Software Architecture (IRSA) Version 1.0.
• Key capabilities of new SDRs: high data‑rates + Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) capabilities.
• Focus is on indigenous, interoperable, future‑ready communication in network‑centric battlefields.