Astrome has been selected as the winner of the Indian Army and Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) iDEX DISC 14 Challenge, securing an opportunity to develop a next-generation man-portable Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) system with Electronic Support Measures (ESM) capabilities, announced Astrome.

The system is intended to strengthen tactical electronic warfare operations by enabling wideband threat detection, precision direction-finding and real-time signal processing in demanding high-altitude and forward-border environments.

The project focuses on delivering an indigenous solution tailored to the evolving requirements of the Indian Army. The portable platform is expected to enhance electronic surveillance capabilities, helping military units detect, identify and track hostile emitters across a broad spectrum of frequencies.

The DISC 14 challenge sought innovative solutions to overcome limitations found in many existing ELINT systems, including restricted frequency coverage, inadequate direction-finding accuracy, limited portability and insufficient advanced analytics.

Astrome’s proposed system is expected to provide improved situational awareness in contested electromagnetic environments, giving frontline forces greater ability to monitor, classify and analyse potential threats in real time.

The development aligns with India’s broader push for self-reliance in defence technology under the iDEX framework, which supports innovative Indian companies in creating advanced capabilities for the armed forces.

Once developed, the man-portable ELINT/ESM system could contribute significantly to tactical electronic warfare missions, intelligence gathering and continuous monitoring of adversary electronic activity, particularly in strategically sensitive border regions.

Agencies