SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant leap toward self-reliance in defence technology, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed an advanced Software Defined Radio (SDR) system that is poised to replace the Israeli-supplied BNET SDR currently integrated into Indian fighter jets.
This indigenous SDR, developed in collaboration with its production partner CoreEL Technologies India Private Limited, marks a milestone in India’s efforts to equip its air force with cutting-edge, locally manufactured communication systems.
The DRDO-developed SDR is an airborne, Software and Firmware Test (SoFT) qualified system designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern aerial combat. Available in two variants, it offers flexibility to cater to diverse operational needs. Type-I supports V/UHF (Very High Frequency/Ultra High Frequency) and L-band frequencies, while Type-II extends its capabilities to include V/UHF and UHF SATCOM (Satellite Communications) bands. This dual-option approach ensures compatibility with a range of missions, from tactical battlefield communication to long-range satellite-linked operations.
Compact yet powerful, the SDR is housed in a ½ ATR (Air Transport Rack) short form-factor design and mounted on independent ARINC (Aeronautical Radio Incorporated) trays. This modular configuration facilitates easy integration into various fighter jet platforms, including the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, and potentially the indigenous LCA Tejas, enhancing interoperability across the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet. Its small footprint belies its robust functionality, making it an ideal replacement for the bulkier and foreign-sourced BNET SDR.
The Israeli BNET SDR, supplied by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, has been a key component in the IAF’s communication architecture, offering multi-band, multi-channel capabilities for network-centric warfare. However, reliance on imported systems like the BNET has long been a point of concern for India’s defence planners, given the strategic need for autonomy in critical technologies. The DRDO’s Indigenous SDR addresses this vulnerability, providing a locally engineered alternative that matches—and in some aspects, may exceed—the BNET’s performance.
The move to replace the BNET SDR comes amid a broader modernization effort for India’s fighter fleet, notably the $7.7 billion upgrade program for the Su-30 MKI, spearheaded by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with DRDO support. The Indigenous SDR’s integration into these jets will enhance their Electronic Warfare (EW) suites, offering secure, adaptable communication channels crucial for missions in contested environments. Former DRDO scientist Ravi Gupta has highlighted the system’s potential, noting that its flexibility and advanced waveforms could significantly boost combat effectiveness, drawing lessons from incidents like the 2019 Balakot skirmish where communication disruptions proved costly.
The SDR’s production by CoreEL also promises scalability, with the potential to equip not just fighter jets but other platforms like helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Its ARINC tray mounting simplifies retrofitting, reducing downtime during the transition from the BNET SDR and accelerating fleet-wide adoption.
The replacement of the BNET SDR with DRDO’s Indigenous system carries profound implications for India’s defence ecosystem. Beyond reducing import costs—estimated at millions per unit for foreign SDRs—it strengthens national security by insulating critical systems from supply chain disruptions or geopolitical leverage. The SDR’s SATCOM capability in Type-II, for instance, ensures uninterrupted communication over vast distances, a vital asset for operations in the Indo-Pacific or along India’s northern borders.
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