- Cutting-Edge Defence Communication Solutions
Bangalore. 14 February 2025. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a leading force in India’s defence electronics sector, continues to play a crucial role in strengthening the country’s self-reliance in indigenous technology. In alignment with the Government of India’s flagship ‘Make in India’ initiative, BEL is actively fostering partnerships with private industry players, leveraging their strengths to build a robust and resilient industrial base. With well-defined procedures for purchase, sub-contracting, and works contracts — all aligned with guidelines from the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) — BEL ensures that its procurement and outsourcing processes are efficient, transparent, and aligned with the highest standards of governance.
Empowering Secure Communications Across Platforms
Among BEL’s remarkable product portfolio are cutting-edge communication solutions designed to meet the needs of land, air, and naval forces. These include secure handheld radios, software-defined radios (SDRs), vehicle-mounted communication systems, and advanced repeater stations. Each of these solutions is built to support modern, network-centric warfare while ensuring high-grade encryption and interoperability with legacy systems.
BEL’s Secure Digital Handheld Radio-5W exemplifies this commitment. Operating across VHF and UHF bands, the radio offers both analog and digital communication, with a built-in encryption card for high-end secrecy. With support for 1024 channels, dual capacity direct mode, and seamless compatibility with other DMR radios, it is an ideal tool for secure field communication. Features like GPS integration, emergency call functions, and remote radio control enhance operational flexibility, making it suitable for both tactical and routine communication needs.
The Secure Digital Mobile Radio extends this capability to vehicle-mounted systems. With a powerful 25W output, this radio ensures secure line-of-sight (LOS) communication for mobile units, integrating AES encryption and customizable algorithms for graded secrecy. Its compliance with the ETSI DMR protocol, support for group and individual calls, and compatibility with legacy radios make it a reliable companion for military vehicles operating in complex environments.
Advancing the Next Generation of Software-Defined Radios
BEL’s suite of software-defined radios (SDRs) underscores its leadership in communications technology. The SDR-AR, designed for airborne platforms, supports four channels covering HF, V/UHF, and L-band frequencies. Built on an indigenous trusted platform with robust TRANSEC, ECCM, and COMSEC capabilities, the SDR-AR supports both narrowband and wideband waveforms, making it indispensable for air-to-air and air-to-ground communications in network-centric operations.
On the naval front, BEL’s SDR-NC brings advanced multi-band, multi-mode capabilities to ships, enabling simultaneous ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore, and ship-to-air communication. Housed in a rugged 19-inch rack-mountable design, the SDR-NC operates across HF and V/UHF bands, providing high-security communications through sophisticated encryption and frequency-hopping capabilities.
The SDR-TAC, also designed for naval platforms, enhances these capabilities further by supporting four channels in V/UHF and L-band frequencies, with data rates up to 6 Mbps. With features like mobile ad-hoc networking (MANET), 500 hops per second frequency hopping, and robust data security, it ensures resilient and reliable communication even in hostile environments.
For tactical operations, BEL offers the SDR-HH, a compact, handheld software-defined radio tailored for short-range secure voice and data communication. Operating in the UHF band, it features in-built GPS, lightweight construction, and seamless integration into tactical networks. Meanwhile, the V/UHF SDR Man Portable system provides similar capabilities in a more powerful 5W configuration, complete with advanced accessories for flexible deployment in field conditions.
High-Power and Versatile HF Communications
For long-range communication needs, BEL’s 5KW HF Radio System provides a single-unit rack-based solution for both voice and data transmission across the 1.5 to 30 MHz frequency range. Available in both 1KW and 5KW variants, the system supports advanced ALE (Automatic Link Establishment) capabilities across multiple generations and enables high-speed data transmission up to 120 kbps. With remote operability via Ethernet and robust protections against high VSWR and thermal issues, the system is designed for reliability in harsh environments.
Complementing this, the HF-SDR offers a man-portable option for HF communications. Lightweight yet powerful with a 20W output, it supports clear, secure, and frequency-hopping modes with built-in encryption and compatibility with various antenna types. Its support for 2nd and 3rd generation ALE ensures automatic frequency adjustments for optimal communication performance.
Strengthening Tactical and Fixed Communications Networks
BEL’s expertise extends to repeater stations and base stations, essential for extending the range of handheld and manpack radios in the field. The LUS 296 UHF Repeater Station pairs two LUM 295 base stations to create a repeater capable of enhancing communication range for LUP 291 handheld radios. These systems feature high-grade encryption, in-built diagnostics, and programmable presets, ensuring secure and reliable operation even in contested environments.
The LUP 291 UHF Handheld Radio itself is a compact, lightweight device with built-in high-grade digital secrecy. Featuring 32 preset channels, selective calling, remote erase capability, and extensive field programmability, it supports secure communication with flexibility for both individual and group calls. Its rugged design and MIL-STD-461C compliance ensure durability in challenging conditions.
The V/UHF AM/FM Transceiver further supports long-range ground-to-ground and ground-to-air communication with robust ECM protection. With high-grade crypto, frequency hopping, and interoperability with airborne radios, it offers seamless communication across different operational domains. Designed for flexible deployment in vehicles, fixed sites, or as part of rebroadcast networks, this transceiver is a versatile asset in any military communication network.
Enabling Seamless Tactical Networking
BEL’s STARS-V Mk III IP radio brings next-generation capabilities to tactical battlefield communications. This multi-band, high-data-rate radio supports up to 64-node MANET (Mobile Ad hoc Networking), with self-forming and self-healing capabilities that enable resilient networking in dynamic operational environments. Its 1 Mbps throughput, 500 hops per second frequency agility, and built-in encryption provide secure, high-speed voice and data connectivity even under electronic warfare conditions.
For armoured vehicles and tanks, BEL offers the CNR Mk II, another multi-band IP radio with MANET functionality. Built for demanding armoured deployments, it ensures seamless connectivity between vehicles and command centres through its advanced frequency hopping, encryption, and high data rates.
BEL’s extensive portfolio of communication solutions reflects the company’s deep commitment to developing indigenous, secure, and technologically advanced systems for India’s armed forces. By combining state-of-the-art hardware, sophisticated encryption, and robust interoperability across platforms, BEL is playing a pivotal role in modernizing India’s defence communication infrastructure. These products not only enhance the operational effectiveness of India’s armed forces but also reinforce the nation’s self-reliance in critical defence technologies.
