The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with M/s Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bengaluru, on 20 February 2025 for procurement of 149 Software Defined Radios (SDR) for Indian Coast Guard (ICG) at a total cost of ₹1220.12 crores. These state-of-the-art radios are indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured providing significant boost to country’s manufacturing capabilities for advanced military-grade communication systems in line with Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Induction of SDRs marks the transition from present single purpose radios to multi-band, multi-mode and multi-role radios of future. ICG units require high speed secure communication along with secure networking capability for seamless information exchange for coordinated operations at sea. SDRs will enable secure and reliable information sharing, situational awareness and network centric operations through high-speed data and secure voice communication capability. This will strengthen the ICG’s capability to fulfil its core responsibilities, including maritime law enforcement, search and rescue operations, fisheries protection, and marine environment protection. Additionally, these radios will enhance interoperability for joint operations with the Indian Navy.