DRDO Unveils Indian Radio Software Architecture Standard 1.0 to Boost Military Communication Interoperability
The release took place during a National Workshop on IRSA held at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi, on Monday.
New Delhi, October 8: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) and the Tri-Services, has formally released the Indian Radio Software Architecture (IRSA) Standard 1.0 — a landmark step towards achieving full interoperability in India’s military communication systems.
The release took place during a National Workshop on IRSA held at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi, on Monday. The event brought together senior representatives from the Armed Forces, Department of Defence Production (DDP), Defence PSUs, industry, academia, and research institutions, underscoring India’s collaborative approach to building indigenous defence communication technologies.
Dr Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, presided over the ceremony as Chief Guest, while Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, and Dr Rajat Moona, Director, IIT Gandhinagar, were Guests of Honour. The workshop was held under the guidance of Dr BK Das, DG (ECS), DRDO.
Defining a New Era of Secure, Interoperable Communications
IRSA 1.0 is a comprehensive software specification for Software Defined Radios (SDRs), setting standardized interfaces, APIs, execution environments, and waveform portability mechanisms to ensure seamless interoperability across military platforms.
The standard enables waveform portability, SDR certification, and conformance validation, allowing different communication systems used by the Army, Navy, and Air Force to interact smoothly. It also establishes a foundation for future integration of emerging communication technologies and AI-based networking solutions.
“The launch of IRSA marks a defining milestone in India’s pursuit of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence communication technology,” DRDO said in a statement. “It embodies the vision of building indigenous, interoperable, and future-ready SDR solutions — designed in India, for India, and ready for the world.”
A Collaborative Journey Since 2021
The IRSA initiative traces its origins to 2021, when the need for a unified software standard for SDRs was first recognised. A core technical team led by DRDO began work in 2022, engaging closely with the IDS and the three Services to define operational requirements.
Following extensive technical reviews and multi-stakeholder consultations, IRSA Version 1.0 was approved in 2025 by the High-Level Advisory Committee (HLAC), making it India’s first national specification for a standardised SDR software architecture.
Future Roadmap and Global Vision
The workshop featured detailed discussions on the technical overview, ecosystem roles, and future directions of IRSA, along with opportunities for industry participation and pilot projects.
The vision for IRSA extends beyond India’s borders — to position it as a global benchmark in SDR technology, enabling India to export IRSA-compliant communication solutions to partner nations.
By establishing IRSA 1.0, India strengthens its defence communications backbone, ensuring secure, interoperable, and scalable military networks for the future battlefield.
