Indian Air Force and IIT Madras partner to develop indigenous secure airborne communication system

The Indian Air Force (IAF)’s Software Development Institute (SDI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT-Madras for jointly designing and developing an indigenous digital communication system for airborne applications.

About the IAF-IIT-M collaboration

This collaboration is a big leap towards realising the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, enabling self-reliance in India’s defence technology and strategic capabilities, an official release said on Monday.

The MoU was signed by Air Vice Marshal R Guruhari, Commandant, SDI; Prof V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras and Dr M J Shankar Raman, CEO, Pravartak Technologies Foundation.

Through this partnership, the Indian Air Force (IAF) intends to build advanced algorithms for networking and encryption in collaboration with IIT Madras, the release said.

These systems would be crucial for secure, reliable, and high-performance data exchange in dynamic airborne environments, essential for modern military operations and networked warfare.

With this indigenous technology, India would reduce its reliance on imported systems, promote technological sovereignty, and boost the operational efficiency of India's defence forces, it added.

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What do the Chiefs say?

Air Vice Marshal R Guruhari said, "This partnership with IIT Madras is a visionary step towards achieving complete self-reliance in critical defence communication technologies. By combining academic excellence with operational expertise, we are paving the way for innovative, indigenous solutions that will significantly enhance the capabilities of our airborne forces and contribute to a stronger, Atmanirbhar Bharat."

Prof V. Kamakoti said, "This collaboration with the Indian Air Force's Software Development Institute exemplifies the synergy between academia and defence institutions. IIT Madras is proud to contribute its expertise in advanced communication technologies and cybersecurity to create robust, indigenous solutions."

This initiative aligns perfectly with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, empowering India with first-rate, homegrown technologies that strengthen national security, he added.

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