Modernising Battle Field Communications for the Indian Army
Our Solution
How we helped a Leading consortium develop a cutting edge military communication product
The Result
Successful development allowed Cyient to present a fully-fledged, “Designed and Made in India” product to the high command.
Background
India’s defense forces face a long-standing challenge: reliance on imported radios from multiple vendors. While diversification reduces the risk of embargoes, it creates a logistical nightmare for maintenance and compatibility. To address this, the Government of India has prioritized indigenizing battlefield communication equipment under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Software Defined Radios (SDRs) are a critical last link in the chain—from divisional headquarters to the platoon level. A truly “Designed and Made in India” SDR would not only improve operational readiness but also save valuable foreign exchange for investments in advanced weaponry.
Cyient took on this challenge and partnered with Bang to design and engineer a complete SDR system: a manpack radio for platoon-level use, with a handheld companion for section-level deployment. The product was designed to comply with JS55555, one of the most stringent military ruggedization standards.
Engineering with Purpose and Style
Integration at Scale
Form that Builds Confidence
Creating an Intuitive, Rugged Ecosystem
The project was a two-part system: a larger manpack radio for platoon-level use and a smaller handheld companion for individual sections. The design needed to be cohesive, with a shared visual language that felt both rugged and cutting-edge. It had to look the part, because let’s face it, soldiers are humans too, and they need to trust that their gear won’t fail them when it matters most. We designed the manpack and handheld to be instantly recognizable and reassuringly solid.
Hot-Swap Batteries
Continuous operation in the field demands uninterrupted power. We developed a hot-swap battery system that allowed quick replacement—even with gloves on—using nothing more than a coin or the tip of a bayonet.
Thermal Management
Rugged and Reliable
Meeting the brutal JS55555 standard—one of the toughest for military hardware—meant passing shock, vibration, drop, and tumble tests. We identified coatings and finishes that could withstand jet fuel fumes, salt mists, and extreme temperature cycles without peeling, bubbling or degrading, whether in the deserts or the freezing heights of Siachen.
A Supply Chain That Matters
Program Agility
THE RESULT