HAL Develops Cutting-Edge SDR-1 for Future Tejas Fleet

India's commitment to developing an indigenous defence industry is reinforced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) continued development of the Software Defined Radio 1 (SDR-1) for the Tejas MkII fighter program.

This push for domestic technology comes despite the successful use of Israel's Elta-supplied B-NET SDR in the Tejas Mk1A's recent maiden flight.

Why SDRs Matter​

Software Defined Radios (SDRs) are a critical component of modern military aircraft. They provide flexible, multi-channel communication capabilities, adapting across various frequencies and waveforms.

SDRs streamline operations by replacing numerous specialized radios with a single, versatile system.

HAL's SDR-1: A Domestic Solution​

HAL's SDR-1, now in the testing phase, is designed to power the communications backbone of India's next-generation Tejas MkII fighter.

Alongside the SDR-1, HAL is also developing the SDR-2 for supplementary VHF and SATCOM needs, aiming for a comprehensive, indigenously-produced communication suite.

Key Features of the SDR-1​

• Flexibility: The SDR-1 operates in V/UHF and L-bands, supporting traditional AM/FM waveforms along with advanced Frequency Hopping (FH) voice and Dynamic Time Division Multiple Access (D-TDMA) networking.
• Interoperability: Interfaces like MIL-STD-1553B, Ethernet, and RS-232/422 ensure seamless integration with the fighter's other systems.
• Efficient Design: A compact ½ ATR form factor and horizontal mounting maximize space. Built-in power amplifiers and a DC fan cooling system reduce complexity.
• Usability: Intuitive Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) simplify mode selection and waveform loading.
• Adaptability: HAL designed the SDR-1 with growth in mind. It can potentially support additional waveforms and new frequency bands in the future.

Strategic Importance​

HAL's focus on the SDR-1 underscores a broader emphasis on self-reliance in the Indian defence industry. Developing domestic SDR capabilities has several advantages:

• Reduced Dependence: Less reliance on foreign imports strengthens strategic autonomy.
• Tailored Solutions: Indigenous development enables customization to fit the Indian Air Force's specific operational requirements.
• Technology Growth: Investing in in-house R&D fosters a knowledge base and benefits the broader Indian technology sector.
• Security: Domestically-sourced radios reduce risks of potential backdoors or supply chain disruptions in times of crisis.

Challenges and Outlook​

Developing an advanced SDR is complex. HAL must overcome technical hurdles and address any performance gaps when compared to mature foreign solutions like the B-NET.

However, successful development of the SDR-1 would mark a significant milestone for India's defence manufacturing sector and lay the foundation for future communication technologies.

 

[sky-high]

Correction, If indegenous SDR of same approximate capability is developed within the specified revised development window for prototype fabrication, then sure, else a flat no. If SDR development and integration is anticipated to take time then, integrate them at a later stage during tranche upgrade no point in waiting for it to materialize stalling the entire project which is already behind schedule by atleast 3-5 years.

Read it clearly before commenting

 

[ABHIJIT APSINGIKAR]

Read it clearly before commenting

I did keyword is "IF", now is it certified the answer is no bcoz its now proposed for development. So U should actually read the entire article for context.

 

[sky-high]

Because its not, their minimum operational requirement of 44 squadrons is almost at half. MoD/ DRDO/ HAL/IAF all deserve each other. The ineptitude in operational planning has been so dire that there is significant gulf in capability. It does not matter as to how much a fighter is capable, for there exists a minimum threshold the air force needs to meet its operational objectives. Our problem is neither MoD, DRDO/ HAL/ ADA and other labs as well a the IAF have a common ground as to what indigenous developed truly means. All have different viewpoints which just does not make sense and results in endless delays. .

By the way LCA MK2 arriving anytime after 2035, and it would be obsolete on arrival. Do remember, semiconductor technology as well as their packaging and printing techniques changes every 3-5 years and as such the avionics developed on them will become obsolete and outdated before entering full service. With full induction likely to last well beyond 2040, it would be too little too late for the IAF which would basically be stuck with the same MiG-21 conundrum and will have to keep flying a fighter that's already irrelevant. That's the threat endless delays pose as when u finally procure them they would be essentially outdated.

No sense in your rabble

 

[ABHIJIT APSINGIKAR]

No sense in your rabble

What did not make sense Eienstein? It written in plain English. So what is exactly rabble to u? Is it not true that IAF is in a precarious position with respect to falling squadron strength and can ill afford delays in critical projects?

Is it also not true that taking up development of SDR now to be integrated for MK2 would take time and due to inherent complexity involved in developing SDR its likely to miss the timeframe as envisioned for MK2?

Is it also not true that, waiting for SDR to materialize for MK2 will delay program as has already happened before innumerable times previously?

And finally is it not true that, semiconductor components fabrication technology undergoes a total change every 3-5 years and the technology around which they were developed today (which mind u is already obsolete eg: mission computer with 28nm node processors and just 8GB ram) would be ancient in 2035 and thus making them unable to content with the threats that would be present in future.

 

[beencensured]

Can u assure that Indian developed SDR eould be impossible to crack encryption and hack through? 🤔 The answer is no nobody can, bcoz by employing adequate processing capability even the most potent encryption can be cracked, so ur point is null and void. As a committed adversary will invariably find a way to hack through. On the contrary Israeli SDR would be lot more secure due to their inherent strength in cyber warfare.

Israel would be less secure as it would be less upgradeable as that the major point about local sdr that it is upgradable, and we do not need to run to Israel for solution saving both time and money if we are being hacked or jammed.. There are plenty of Indian it graduates and mathematicians that are capable of doing job. India is a nuclear power and cannot depend on any.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

The issue with SU-30 availability and issues with spares rests solely with MoD/HAL combine. When SU--30 were still under production, the vendors were still producing several small spare parts such as fuel injectors, power management IC among others. But once the production winded down, neither HAL nor Mod made any attempt to sign entended support agreement with vendors, which would have allowed them to continue producing spares albeit at much smaller volumes, but supplying them over an extended period of time.

Without continued business, vendors also winded up their production line and in many cases also disposed off their tooling for it. Now restarting production would again require enormous capital and renewed capacity planning.

As far as I know, the problem with spares started around the time russia started buying stuff in mass when it was preparimg for waging war, and when war started, the problem reached catastrophic levels.

As to whether HAL or IAF was responsible for not signing agreements with suppliers, I have not heard anything about it. If you have any source, i will be happy to read it.

 

[Akshat]

Israel would be less secure as it would be less upgradeable as that the major point about local sdr that it is upgradable, and we do not need to run to Israel for solution saving both time and money if we are being hacked or jammed.. There are plenty of Indian it graduates and mathematicians that are capable of doing job. India is a nuclear power and cannot depend on any.

If that’s the case, why hasn’t DRDO done it yet? Army has had an open tender since 2019.

As for upgrades, look at our existing projects. Tejas, Astra etc. We have all seen how they have been upgraded, mk2 hasn’t been rolled out in over 2 decades. Astra is taking way over a decade.

 

[ABHIJIT APSINGIKAR]

As far as I know, the problem with spares started around the time russia started buying stuff in mass when it was preparimg for waging war, and when war started, the problem reached catastrophic levels.

As to whether HAL or IAF was responsible for not signing agreements with suppliers, I have not heard anything about it. If you have any source, i will be happy to read it.

This happened a while back, about 2019-2020, when spares for final few were delivered. Back then there was even an article with respect to same. Luckily i found few sources here u go:

Bengaluru: Made in India spares for Su-30MKI jets

A release by Irkut Corporation said the Su-30MKI programme has become a vivid example of the implementation of -"Make in India-" strategy.

www.deccanchronicle.com

An Indian facility that makes Su-30MKI jets may shut down, toppling 400 local suppliers

It's the classic domino effect: An Indian facility that manufactures Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters may close in March 2020, leading to the closure of 400 local suppliers over a lack of component orders.

www.defensenews.com

 

[ABHIJIT APSINGIKAR]

Israel would be less secure as it would be less upgradeable as that the major point about local sdr that it is upgradable, and we do not need to run to Israel for solution saving both time and money if we are being hacked or jammed.. There are plenty of Indian it graduates and mathematicians that are capable of doing job. India is a nuclear power and cannot depend on any.

What exactly do u intent to upgrade in a software defined radio? the processor, Communication IC are all a part of integrated circuits so mostly come as a single line replaceable unit. There is hardly anything u get to upgrade apart from may be software. Even encryption is hardwired into the IC ROM chip module. Which is mostly non volatile memory and only in some specific cases can be electrically programmed in Electrically Programmable Read Only Memory.

Any way u misunderstood me, I never said to stop development of indigenous solutions, just that to not to link it with MK2 as any subsequent delays in introducing the SDR will have delays in prototype testing as well. As it now seems even prototypes are envisioned to fly with these onboard. Sure develop it, but develop it concurrently when its ready we will introduce them as a part of block upgrade, but don't stall the entire project progress waiting for it to materialize. In the meantime while domestic SDR is getting ready, continue to use Israeli BNet radios and ensure project moves ahead at brisk pace.

 

[Sandeep]

Finally somebody that understands the inherent complexity involved in SDR. I am not against development of indigenous SDR and standardizing them across services. Yes we should continue to develop it, but since its likely to take time it cannot be linked to the MK2 project which already has suffered catastrophic delays. By all means develop them and incorporate them as and when ready, but to stall the entire project for availability of sub systems is outrageous.

In all probability the MK2 project will be further delayed due to the delays in developing sub systems domestically and the deadline will be pushed further. However now MK2 runs the real risk of becoming obsolete even before it enters service as a MK2 arriving anytime after 2035-37 runs a real risk of becoming irrelevant by the then technological standards.

I don’t think it will delay the main Tejas 2 program because installing the SDR can always be done afterwards as well. Remember Tejas 2 main production won’t start until at least 2030 or more. If they are really testing the indigenous version out then it gives them at least 5 years to test and perfect the system out.

 

[Dagger]

Because its not, their minimum operational requirement of 44 squadrons is almost at half. MoD/ DRDO/ HAL/IAF all deserve each other. The ineptitude in operational planning has been so dire that there is significant gulf in capability. It does not matter as to how much a fighter is capable, for there exists a minimum threshold the air force needs to meet its operational objectives. Our problem is neither MoD, DRDO/ HAL/ ADA and other labs as well a the IAF have a common ground as to what indigenous developed truly means. All have different viewpoints which just does not make sense and results in endless delays. .

By the way LCA MK2 arriving anytime after 2035, and it would be obsolete on arrival. Do remember, semiconductor technology as well as their packaging and printing techniques changes every 3-5 years and as such the avionics developed on them will become obsolete and outdated before entering full service. With full induction likely to last well beyond 2040, it would be too little too late for the IAF which would basically be stuck with the same MiG-21 conundrum and will have to keep flying a fighter that's already irrelevant. That's the threat endless delays pose as when u finally procure them they would be essentially outdated.

3-5 years is extremely hard reaching. Going by that almost all the superior fighters in the world today were introduced 5+ years ago.
A delay of 3 years will be more preferable than importing components because you need to remember the fit might not be the same for the imported and the home made ones. Therefore its better to indigenize it from the beginning instead of putting it through the hassle of foreign fits. Also as apocalypse gupta said, the 44 squadron issue is a very old problem with old variables which do not matter in todays world. Eg, 10 squadrons of 5th gen planes are better than 20 4th gen ones to give a broad example.

 

[Dagger]

What is the quantum communication meant for?

so that enemy planes cannot hack into our radio communication and get a hint of whatever we are planning to do.