Report Overview

Growing adoption of 5G and 6G technologies boosting telecom integration, surging indigenization efforts, and increasing defense modernization are expected to drive India Software Defined Radio (SDR) Market during the forecast period between 2025 and 2031.

India Software Defined Radio (SDR) Market – Industry Trends & Forecast Report, 2031

India Software Defined Radio (SDR) Market size was estimated at USD 945.8 million in 2024. During the forecast period between 2025 and 2031, India Software Defined Radio (SDR) Market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% reaching a value of USD 1,674.2 million by 2031. Prominent drivers of India Software Defined Radio (SDR) Market include the ongoing advancement of wireless communication standards, particularly the evolution toward 5G, which increases the demand for SDR platforms due to their adaptability through software upgrades. This cost-efficient flexibility supports seamless transitions across evolving technologies. Additionally, rising demand for efficient and robust communication systems across industries, growing deployment of SDR in military and defense operations for enhanced spectrum agility and interoperability, and the widespread adoption of IoT devices further fuel market expansion. The integration of SDR with next-generation networks underscores its crucial role in enabling dynamic, multi-standard wireless communication, solidifying its position as a key enabler in India’s digital and defense infrastructure.

Software Defined Radio (SDR) – Overview

Software Defined Radio (SDR) is an advanced technology that replaces traditional hardware-based radio functions with software-driven algorithms. This flexible architecture allows users to dynamically update or reconfigure radio parameters without changing the hardware. By enabling easy adaptation to new waveforms and protocols, SDR improves interoperability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. It is widely used in military, public safety, telecommunications, and amateur radio, offering a scalable solution that keeps pace with rapidly evolving communication standards.

India Software Defined Radio (SDR) Market

Growth Drivers

Surging Indigenization Efforts

India Software Defined Radio (SDR) Market is experiencing robust growth, driven by surging indigenization efforts aimed at enhancing national defense capabilities. The Indian Navy has made significant progress by integrating domestically developed SDR systems, such as SDR-NC (Naval Combat), SDR-Tac (Tactical), and SDR-NG (Next Generation), designed by the Weapons and Electronics Systems Engineering Establishment (WESEE), into its fleet. These advanced systems enable real-time voice, data, and video communication, ensuring seamless interoperability across naval, aerial, and ground platforms. The SDR-Tac, for example, supports multi-band, multi-mode communication and facilitates ship-to-ship, ship-to-air, and ship-to-shore connectivity, strengthening India’s network-centric warfare capabilities. Additionally, SDRs for fighter aircraft are in the final stages of development, marking a significant step toward replacing outdated hardware with reprogrammable, software-based platforms. These developments align with India’s broader push for C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) integration, which is critical for enhancing operational readiness and situational awareness. Furthermore, the indigenization of SDR technology plays a vital role in enabling advanced defense applications such as swarm drones and battlefield automation. These strategic initiatives, under the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) mission, not only reduce dependency on foreign technology but also position India as a key player in the global defense communication ecosystem.

Challenges

High Costs and Complex Licensing Procedures

High costs and complex licensing procedures are key restraining factors for the growth of India Software Defined Radio (SDR) Market. The development and deployment of SDR systems involve significant investment in advanced hardware, software, and skilled personnel, making it challenging for smaller players to enter the market. Additionally, stringent regulatory requirements and licensing hurdles delay approvals and limit broader adoption, particularly in commercial and civilian sectors. These barriers hinder scalability and innovation, slowing down the pace at which SDR technologies can be integrated across diverse communication platforms in India.

Impact of Escalating Geopolitical Tensions on India Software Defined Radio (SDR) Market

Escalating geopolitical tensions could significantly impact India Software Defined Radio (SDR) Market. Heightened security concerns and increasing defense preparedness drive greater investments in advanced communication technologies like SDR, which offer flexibility, interoperability, and real-time adaptability in mission-critical operations. Rising border threats and regional instability compel defense forces to upgrade to modern, software-reconfigurable platforms, accelerating SDR adoption across land, air, and naval platforms. However, strained international relations may also disrupt the supply of critical components, delay imports, and complicate technology transfers. This dual impact underscores the importance of indigenous SDR development to strengthen India’s defense communication autonomy and resilience.

India Software Defined Radio (SDR) Market

Segmental Coverage

India Software Defined Radio (SDR) Market – By Component

Based on component, India Software Defined Radio (SDR) Market is divided into Hardware, Software, and Services segments. The services segment is expected to hold a higher share in India Software Defined Radio (SDR) Market by component during the forecast period. As SDR technology becomes increasingly sophisticated and widely adopted, the demand for professional services such as installation, maintenance, and regular upgrades is rising. Organizations are seeking expert support to ensure secure and efficient system performance. Moreover, the software centric nature of SDR requires ongoing updates and customization. The growing popularity of managed services and consulting solutions is also contributing to this trend, as businesses rely on specialized providers to seamlessly implement and optimize SDR systems within their operations.

India Software Defined Radio (SDR) Market – By Platform

India Software Defined Radio (SDR) Market by platform is divided into Land, Airborne, Naval, and Space segments. The land segment holds the highest share in India Software Defined Radio (SDR) Market by platform. The growth is driven by the widespread use of tactical communication systems in military operations, where reliable and adaptable communication is essential. SDR technology enhances the performance of ground stations by improving sensitivity and enabling optimized design, ensuring efficient and high-quality communication. In satellite communications, SDR further strengthens ground segment capabilities by minimizing noise and enhancing clarity, making it a critical component in modern defense and strategic communication infrastructure. Meanwhile, the airborne segment is expected to record the fastest growth rate during the forecast period. The expansion is driven by the increasing adoption of SDR systems in both civil and military aviation due to their ability to support high-speed data transmission. Leading aerospace companies are integrating SDR technology to enhance operational efficiency and ensure secure, mission-critical communications. The use of SDR in airborne platforms offers a cost-effective solution while meeting the evolving demands of modern aviation systems.

India Software Defined Radio (SDR) Market – By End User

On the basis of end user, India Software Defined Radio (SDR) Market is segmented into Military & Defense, Commercial, Telecommunication, Transportation, Public Safety, and Aerospace.

India Software Defined Radio (SDR) Market – By Region

The in-depth research report on India Software Defined Radio (SDR) Market covers the market in the country’s major regions: North India, South India, East India, and West India regions.

Competitive Landscape

Major players operating in India Software Defined Radio (SDR) Market include Thales Group, Tata Power SED, BAE Systems plc, Rohde & Schwarz GmbH, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, FlexRadio Systems, Leonardo S.p.A., Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Harris Corporation, and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). To further enhance their market share, these companies employ various strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures, license agreements, and new product launches.

Recent Developments

• In May 2025 - India successfully deployed Akashteer, an indigenous automated Air Defence Control and Reporting System, to intercept and neutralize a major missile and drone attack by Pakistan. This breakthrough highlights India's growing self-reliance in defense technology, with Akashteer integrating radar, sensor, and communication systems for real-time threat detection and response. As part of India’s C4ISR ecosystem, it enhances coordination across armed forces, reduces the risk of friendly fire, and represents a strategic shift toward proactive air defense powered by domestically developed technologies, including Software Defined Radio (SDR).

• In September 2024 - Saankhya Labs, in collaboration with Sinclair and Free Stream Technologies, announced the development of low-cost Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) phones powered by Saankhya’s Pruthvi-3 ATSC 3.0 SDR chipsets. This initiative marks a significant step in India’s semiconductor journey, aligning with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. The partners aim to launch consumer trials in early 2025, featuring a range of SDR-enabled devices including smartphones and feature phones.

Scope of the Report

By Component

• Hardware

• Software

• Services

By Platform

• Land

• Airborne

• Naval

• Space

By Application

• Military & Defense

• Commercial

• Telecommunications

• Transportation

• Public Safety

• Aerospace

By Region

• North India

• South India

• East India

• West India