The Indian Air Force can expect the development of an indigenous Software Defined Radio (SDR) for its combat fleet to complete by the end of this year, according to The Hindu BusinessLine. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conceived the next-generation communication system, which is now in its final phase of development.

The system will provide a secured wireless communication network across the IAF’s fighter aircraft and ground stations, using enhanced security protocols. Once the SDR goes into production, it will give the IAF the option to switch over to an indigenous communication system.

DRDO is also developing the next version of the Indian Radio Software Architecture (IRSA) standard, which will enable interoperability across military communication systems. The Indian Navy has already installed the DRDO-developed “SDR Tactical” for ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore and ship-to-air voice, video and data links supporting four simultaneous channels, while the Army is integrating the “SDR MANPAC” for high data rates and mobile ad hoc network capabilities.

The project advances India’s self-reliance in defence communications. It comes alongside a proposed IAF plan to acquire around 2,500 indigenous SDRs worth about Rs 5,000 crore, according to defence industry reporting.