Indian Air Force partners with IIT Madras to develop indigenous airborne communication system

The Indian Air Force has entered into a new collaboration with IIT Madras to develop an indigenous digital communication system for use on airborne platforms, strengthening efforts to build critical defense technologies within the country.

The agreement was signed on Dec 29 between the Air Force’s Software Development Institute and IIT Madras.

The partnership is aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and focuses on creating secure and reliable communication systems tailored for modern military operations.

The memorandum of understanding was signed by Air Vice Marshal R Guruhari, Commandant of the Software Development Institute; Professor V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras; and Dr M J Shankar Raman, CEO of Pravartak Technologies Foundation.

According to the official release, the joint project will concentrate on the design and development of advanced networking and encryption algorithms required for secure, high-speed data exchange in airborne environments.

These systems are expected to function effectively despite constant movement and rapidly changing operational conditions faced by aircraft.

Air Force officials said airborne missions increasingly rely on communication networks that are secure, resilient, and fast.

The proposed system will support such requirements and enable network-centric operations, allowing aircraft, sensors, and command centers to share information in real time.

The project is also expected to reduce dependence on imported communication equipment and contribute to long-term technological sovereignty.

Officials noted that indigenously developed systems would enhance operational efficiency and strengthen overall preparedness of the force.

Air Vice Marshal Guruhari said the collaboration represents a significant step toward self-reliance in critical defense technologies, combining academic research with operational experience to deliver practical solutions for airborne platforms.

Professor Kamakoti said the initiative highlights the role of academic institutions in addressing national priorities.

He added that IIT Madras would contribute expertise in communication systems and cybersecurity to meet the operational needs of the Air Force.

The development work will draw on the Air Force’s domain knowledge at the Software Development Institute and the research infrastructure available at IIT Madras.

Core focus areas include robust encryption, secure data transmission, protection against cyber threats, and scalable networks capable of supporting multiple platforms while integrating with existing defense systems.

Officials said the collaboration is expected to result in prototypes that can be tested and deployed in operational settings.

The initiative also adds to IIT Madras’ expanding role in defense-related research, complementing its ongoing work in aerospace, artificial intelligence, and materials science, while supporting the government’s push for indigenous defense solutions.