BENGALURU: The Indian Air Force’s Software Development Institute (SDI), Bengaluru, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) for the joint design and development of an indigenous digital secure communication system for airborne applications.The partnership, the ministry of defence (MoD) said Monday, aims to strengthen self-reliance in critical defence technologies and enhance IAF’s operational capabilities in networked warfare.The MoU was signed by Air Vice Marshal R Guruhari, commandant of SDI; Prof V Kamakoti, director of IIT-M; and MJ Shankar Raman, Chief Executive Officer of Pravartak Technologies Foundation, which supports technology translation and industry engagement at the institute.“Under the collaboration, SDI and IIT Madras will work on developing advanced algorithms for networking and encryption tailored for dynamic airborne environments. Such systems are considered vital for secure, reliable and high-performance data exchange during modern military operations, where aircraft operate as part of integrated and distributed combat networks,” an MoD statement read.By focusing on indigenous development, the project seeks to reduce dependence on imported communication systems, improve technological sovereignty and strengthen the resilience of India’s defence communications architecture. MoD said the effort aligns with the Government of India’s emphasis on Atmanirbhar Bharat and indigenisation in defence procurement.Air Vice Marshal Guruhari said the partnership combined academic research strengths with operational experience, creating a pathway for developing deployable, mission-ready solutions for airborne platforms. Prof Kamakoti noted that IIT-Madras would contribute its expertise in advanced communications and cybersecurity to build robust systems suited for military use.“The joint programme will draw on SDI’s domain knowledge and IIT Madras’ research infrastructure. Key focus areas include secure data transmission, advanced encryption protocols, scalability of airborne networks, resilience against cyber and electronic threats, and integration with existing defence systems,” MoD said.The collaboration, it added, is expected to result in working prototypes that can support future Indian Air Force operations.The MoU also adds to IIT Madras’ expanding engagement with defence research and development, spanning aerospace, artificial intelligence and materials science, while contributing to the growth of India’s defence industrial ecosystem.
