DRDO Unveils Indian Radio Software Architecture 1.0

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) officially launched the Indian Radio Software Architecture (IRSA) standard version 1.0 in October 2025. This milestone aims to enhance interoperability in military communication across the Indian Armed Forces. IRSA sets a national benchmark for Software Defined Radios (SDR), marking a key step towards self-reliance in defence communication technology.

Background and Recent Development

IRSA was developed through collaboration among DRDO, Integrated Defence Staff (IDS), and the Tri-Services. The standard was formally released during a national workshop held at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi. The event brought together defence officials, industry representatives, academia, and research institutions. It brought into light the journey of IRSA from concept to reality and discussed future collaboration and adoption plans.

What is IRSA?

IRSA is a comprehensive software specification for Software Defined Radios. It defines standardised interfaces, application programming interfaces (APIs), execution environments, and mechanisms for waveform portability. The standard ensures interoperability among SDR systems, certification processes, and conformance to technical requirements. It is designed to evolve with operational needs and accommodate future technologies.

Significance of IRSA

IRSA represents India’s commitment to develop indigenous, interoperable, and future-ready communication solutions for defence. It reduces reliance on foreign technology by providing a homegrown standard. The architecture supports portability of waveforms, enabling different radios to communicate seamlessly. This standardisation is crucial for joint operations among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Development Process and Stakeholders

The IRSA initiative began in 2021 after recognising the critical role of SDRs in modern military communication. A core team led by DRDO started work in 2022, involving IDS and the Services to gather operational requirements. Multiple reviews and stakeholder consultations refined the standard. The High-Level Advisory Committee approved IRSA 1.0 in 2025. The process involved Defence Public Sector Undertakings, industries, and academic institutions to create a broad ecosystem.

Future Directions and Global Vision

IRSA is intended to be a living standard that adapts to new technologies and operational challenges. It lays the foundation for integrating emerging communication technologies in defence systems. India aims to position IRSA as a global benchmark for SDR architecture. This will open pathways for exporting IRSA-compliant solutions to friendly countries, enhancing strategic partnerships.

Workshop and Collaborative Platform

The national workshop served as a platform to share technical details and discuss pilot projects. It encouraged partnerships among the tri-services, industry, and academia. The event emphasised a collaborative approach to build a robust indigenous defence communication ecosystem. Senior officials from DRDO, IDS, and academic leaders attended, underlining the importance of this initiative.