India has taken a major stride toward achieving self-reliance in defence technology with the launch of the Indian Radio Software Architecture (IRSA) Standard 1.0. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) and the Tri-Services, the new framework was formally unveiled at a national workshop held at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi.
The event, marking a new era of secure and interoperable communication systems for the armed forces, was attended by Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, as Chief Guest. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, and Dr. Rajat Moona, Director of IIT Gandhinagar, were present as Guests of Honour.
Setting a New Standard for Defence Interoperability
IRSA is a comprehensive software specification designed for Software Defined Radios (SDRs) advanced systems that replace traditional hardware components with software-driven functionality. It defines standardized interfaces, APIs, execution environments, and waveform portability mechanisms, allowing seamless communication between the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
By ensuring secure data exchange, waveform portability, and certification conformance, IRSA enables India’s armed forces to maintain smooth information flow even during complex joint operations. “IRSA is designed in India, for India, and ready for the world,” said Dr. Kamat during the launch, calling it a landmark step toward indigenous, future-ready defence communication technologies.
Strengthening Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India
The launch of IRSA 1.0 is closely aligned with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India missions. It positions India among a select group of countries with standardized military communication frameworks, comparable to the U.S. Joint Tactical Radio System and Europe’s ESSOR initiative.
According to Air Marshal Dixit, “Communication interoperability is central to modern warfare. IRSA will act as a force multiplier, enabling our armed forces to function as a unified combat system.”
Driving Indigenous Defence Innovation
The workshop also brought together representatives from defence public sector undertakings, private industry, startups, and academia to discuss IRSA’s technical framework and future roadmap. Experts emphasized the importance of collaboration between research institutions and industry for advancing India’s communication technology ecosystem.
Dr. Rajat Moona highlighted that open-standard frameworks like IRSA help bridge the gap between academic innovation and national defence needs.
Boost for Startups and Defence Manufacturers
The IRSA framework opens significant opportunities for MSMEs and startups in India’s defence technology sector. By offering a standardized communication platform, it allows smaller firms to develop interoperable SDR modules, test compliance, and integrate systems without vendor restrictions.
This development is expected to accelerate the creation of cost-effective and export-ready defence communication products, helping India emerge as a global hub for defence electronics.
Toward a Networked and Secure Battlefield
Future versions of IRSA will expand to include high-speed data waveforms, advanced encryption, AI-driven communication management, and 5G-enabled tactical links. The DRDO and IDS also plan to conduct pilot projects within selected tri-service units to validate IRSA-based radios under real operational conditions.
By establishing IRSA as a national standard, India is taking a decisive step toward technological sovereignty in defence communication. A senior DRDO official described the initiative as “a strategic enabler for a connected, collaborative, and combat-ready armed force.”
With IRSA 1.0, India has reinforced its position as a rising global leader in indigenous defence innovation and next-generation communication technology.