A joint MoU between the Indian Air Force's Software Development Institute and IIT Madras aims to co-design and develop an indigenous digital communication system for airborne applications, reinforcing self-reliant defence technology under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The collaboration strengthens IIT Madras’s defence research footprint and seeks to bolster India’s defence industrial ecosystem through academia–military cooperation.

Officials say the partnership bridges academia and defence to deliver indigenous solutions that enhance the IAF’s capabilities and national security while advancing Atmanirbhar Bharat goals.

Key participants at the MoU signing included Air Vice Marshal R Guruhari (SDI), Prof. V Kamakoti (Director, IIT Madras), and Dr. M J Shankar Raman (CEO, Pravartak Technologies Foundation).

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

The collaboration focuses on secure, reliable, high-performance data exchange for airborne operations and networked warfare, emphasizing advanced encryption, secure transmission, resilience, and scalability.

Officials anticipate deployable prototypes that will integrate indigenous, secure communication technologies with existing defence systems to support IAF missions.

Key focus areas include advanced encryption protocols, secure and resilient data transmission, scalable airborne networks, and seamless integration with current defence platforms, with prototypes expected for IAF integration.