The Defence Electronics Application Laboratory (DEAL), a DRDO lab based in Dehradun, has successfully completed field trials of two advanced indigenous communication systems — the Software Defined Radio (SDR) Manpack and the Compact Transhorizon Communication System (CTCS). The trials were carried out in the challenging terrain of Joshimath in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and other key user agencies.
The field evaluation involved active participation from officers representing various security and paramilitary forces, including the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Border Security Force (BSF), Assam Rifles, Intelligence Bureau (IB), National Security Guard (NSG), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and other allied agencies.

The trials were designed to rigorously assess system performance in diverse terrain and operational environments. Key parameters as defined in the Qualitative Requirements (QRs) and Technical Documents (TDs) were verified in real-world conditions. Both the SDR Manpack and CTCS demonstrated robust and reliable functionality, successfully meeting user-defined operational benchmarks.
This milestone marks a significant step forward in India’s quest for self-reliance in mission-critical communication technology. The successful trials reaffirm DRDO’s commitment to equipping national security forces with state-of-the-art, indigenous communication solutions tailored for demanding operational needs.