The Indian Army has signed a landmark contract on 28 October 2025 to procure 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 advanced SDRs come equipped with high data rates and Mobile Ad hoc Network (MANET) capabilities, enabling secure, real-time communication essential for information-intensive, network-centric warfare. This acquisition signifies a major step towards modernizing the Army’s communication infrastructure, enhancing operational readiness across varied terrains. The move aligns with India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense technology. It follows the recent launch of the Indian Radio Software Architecture (IRSA) standard 1.0 by DRDO, which standardizes software frameworks ensuring interoperability, certification, and adaptability of military communication systems. This initiative underlines India’s strategic push for Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence innovation, promising improved battlefield communication and positioning India as a growing global hub for indigenous defense technology. The deployment will significantly strengthen secure communication, coordination, and battlefield effectiveness of the Indian Army.