New Delhi, Oct 7 (NationPress) The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in partnership with the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) and the Tri-Services, has officially launched the Indian Radio Software Architecture (IRSA) standard 1.0 to facilitate interoperability in military communication, as confirmed by an official on Tuesday.

The IRSA was unveiled during a national workshop held at DRDO Bhawan on Monday, according to the statement.

This architecture serves as a detailed software specification for Software Defined Radios (SDR), outlining standardized interfaces, APIs, execution environments, and mechanisms for waveform portability. The IRSA aims to ensure waveform portability, SDR interoperability, as well as certification and conformance, the statement noted.

The introduction of the IRSA signifies a pivotal advancement in India’s journey towards self-sufficiency in defence communication technologies, encapsulating the vision of developing indigenous, interoperable, and future-ready SDR solutions — crafted in India, for India, and prepared for the global market.

This specification is designed to adapt to evolving operational needs and lays the groundwork for integrating future technologies, as stated.

The workshop highlighted the evolution of the IRSA, its technical framework, roles within the ecosystem, and future trajectories. It also served as a forum for industry, academia, and the tri-services to explore collaboration opportunities, pilot projects, and adoption strategies.

The event gathered representatives from the Indian Armed Forces, Department of Defence Production (DDP), Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), as well as industry, academia, and research institutions, emphasizing a comprehensive and collaborative approach to developing indigenous communication technologies.

Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary DD R&D and Chairman of DRDO, was the Chief Guest at the event, with Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, and Dr. Rajat Moona, Director of IIT Gandhinagar, serving as Guests of Honour. The national workshop was organized under the guidance of Dr. B.K. Das, DG (ECS).

The origins of the IRSA initiative can be traced back to 2021, when the crucial role of SDRs in contemporary military communication was underscored, highlighting the need for a national software standard.

A dedicated technical team led by DRDO commenced work in 2022, collaborating with the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) and the Services to gather operational and user requirements.

Following extensive reviews and consultations with stakeholders, the IRSA Version 1.0 received approval from the High-Level Advisory Committee (HLAC) in 2025, marking it as India’s first national framework establishing a standardized software architecture for Software Defined Radios. The aim is to position the IRSA not only as a national standard but also as a global benchmark, enabling India to influence the future of SDR technology and export IRSA-compliant solutions to allied nations, as stated.