India’s defence research ecosystem is moving to strengthen the networking capabilities of unmanned systems as the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory (DEAL), Dehradun, progresses the development of an indigenous Compact Data Link System (CDLS) designed specifically for lightweight unmanned platforms.

The new system is being engineered as a highly compact, low Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) communications solution operating in the L-band frequency spectrum. It is intended to provide secure and reliable connectivity for small UAVs, loitering munitions and emerging swarm-based unmanned assets that require robust communications while operating in contested environments.

Developed by DRDO’s DEAL laboratory in Dehradun, the Compact Data Link System has been structured around three key Line Replaceable Units (LRUs): a transceiver, an L-band RF head and an omni-directional antenna. The architecture is aimed at simplifying integration across a range of tactical unmanned platforms while minimising overall payload penalties.

The complete system weighs less than 2.3 kg, making it suitable for lightweight aerial platforms where every gram is critical. The transceiver is designed to weigh under 700 grams, while the L-band RF head remains below 1.5 kg. The omni antenna contributes only around 70 grams to the overall package.

Power requirements have also been kept deliberately low. The system operates on a 28V DC supply with a tolerance of ±4V and draws approximately 1.0A with a tolerance of ±0.2A, translating to an overall power consumption of roughly 28 watts. Such characteristics enable installation on compact UAVs and loitering munitions with limited onboard electrical capacity.

The CDLS incorporates two transmit and two receive ports, allowing support for Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) configurations or spatial diversity techniques. This capability can improve link robustness, signal resilience and communication reliability in complex operational environments.

The design is being developed to comply with CEMILAC and DGAQA airworthiness requirements, ensuring that the system can meet the certification and quality standards expected for deployment on military airborne platforms.

The project reflects the growing emphasis within the Indian Armed Forces on network-enabled unmanned warfare. As UAVs, loitering munitions and autonomous swarms assume larger roles in intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, target acquisition and precision strike missions, secure indigenous data links are becoming a critical enabler of operational effectiveness.

The development of a lightweight domestic communications solution is also expected to reduce dependence on imported tactical networking equipment while supporting future Indian unmanned systems programmes.

With the military increasingly pursuing collaborative drone operations and swarm tactics, compact and secure airborne data links are likely to become a foundational technology across multiple next-generation defence platforms.

Agencies