DRDO Unveils National Software Architecture Standard To Advance Military Radio Interoperability
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure | SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
Institutions: Ministry of Defence | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) and the Tri-Services, has released Indian Radio Software Architecture (IRSA) Standard 1.0, establishing a unified digital framework for Software Defined Radios (SDRs) across India’s armed forces. The standard defines interfaces, APIs, execution environments, and waveform portability mechanisms to ensure interoperability, certification, and conformance among SDR platforms. Developed under the guidance of the High-Level Advisory Committee (HLAC), IRSA 1.0 was launched at a national workshop held on 6 October 2025 at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi.
The initiative marks a defining step toward self-reliance in defence communications, ensuring that future radio systems are inter-operable, secure, and upgrade-ready. Originating in 2021 and technically consolidated by DRDO in 2022, IRSA reflects India’s strategic aim to create indigenous, modular, and export-capable SDR ecosystems. The workshop also convened representatives from the Department of Defence Production (DDP), Defence PSUs, academia, and industry to chart adoption and pilot pathways, reinforcing the government’s commitment to a collaborative innovation pipeline for secure communications.
By codifying a unified software architecture, IRSA advances India’s defence-tech sovereignty, strengthens tri-service interoperability, and lays the groundwork for indigenous communication platforms aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Digital Defence initiatives.
What is the Indian Radio Software Architecture (IRSA)?
IRSA is India’s first national software standard for Software Defined Radios, enabling interoperability and waveform portability across defence communication systems. It provides a modular, evolvable software framework that supports future technologies and export-grade solutions.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How can India leverage IRSA compliance to build a scalable defence-tech export ecosystem while maintaining operational security and intellectual-property safeguards?
Follow the full guideline here: Indian Radio Software Architecture (IRSA) Specification