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. Indian Air Force Opens Nyoma Airbase In Ladakh, A Strategic Game-Changer Along The China Frontier “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.About the AuthorChethan KumarChethan Kumar is a Senior Assistant Editor with the Times of India. Aside from specialising in Space & Science, he has reported extensively on varied topics, with special focus on defence, policy and data stories. He has covered multiple elections, too. As a young democracy grows out of adolescence, Chethan feels, there are reels of tales emerging which need to be captured. To do this, he alternates between the mundane goings-on of the Common Man and the wonder-filled worlds of scientists and scamsters, politicians and soldiers. In a career spanning nearly 18 years, he has reported from multiple datelines — Houston, Florida, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Sriharikota (AP), NH-1 (J&K Highway), New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Raichur, Bhatkal, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, to name a few — but is based out of Bengaluru, India’s science capital that also hosts the ISRO HQ.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosArgentina Backs India’s Permanent UNSC Seat, Says World Order Has Changed Beyond 1945 ModelSupreme Court Halts Bail For Ex-BJP MLA Kuldeep Sengar In Unnao Rape Case, Signals Tough Stand’Called Chinki, Chinese, Momo’: Tripura Student’s Killing In Dehradun Triggers Protests Across StateBangladesh Faces Political Rupture As Student Leaders Back Jamaat While Minority Attacks ContinueAt Least One Dead After Fire Engulfs 2 Coaches Of Ernakulam Express With 158 On Board In Andhra“Violence Being Used to Stop Polls”: Ex-Spy Lucky Bisht on Bangladesh KillingsOwaisi Urges Protection of Bangladesh Minorities Ahead of February Polls‘Love Jihad Claim False’: UP Woman Speaks Out After Bajrang Dal Crashes BirthdayUnnao Rape Case: Activists Protest Outside Delhi High Court Over Sengar BailShashi Tharoor Responds To Digvijaya Singh, Says Congress Needs Discipline, Not Lessons From RSS123PhotostoriesMumbai Aims High: Metro Line 2B And Shunya Bridge Target Seamless Suburban ConnectivityMumbai Central line maintenance push: Track work taken up during Mulund–Matunga mega blockMumbai’s Bhandup Gets Connectivity Boost as New FOB Eases East–West Pedestrian MovementTop 5 richest cities in India by GDP in 2025Winter Special: How to make Lehsuni Chicken Curry for lunch10 Turkish desserts one must try at least once‘Lokah: Chapter One – Chandra’, ‘Laalo’ to ‘Su From So’: Regional movies that won hearts in 20255 major wedding trends of 2025 that might be seen in 2026 too10 most ordered dishes by Indians in 2025Asthma vs bronchitis: Key differences in symptoms and treatment methods123Hot PicksSilver price todayPAN-Aadhaar linkingCristiano RonaldoGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundIndian Railways fareBank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingMatt Hardy and Reby Sky Net WorthTravis KelcePatrick MahomesRobert Kraft & Gayle Benson Net WorthAjit PawarLebron JamesWWE Raw PreviewUnnao Rape CaseRajkumar BafnaNew York Yankees
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.
