India Tactical Communication Market Overview, 2030

India’s tactical communication market stands tall as a rising force in the global defense ecosystems. The tactical communication market exists to enable real-time, secure, and encrypted communication between military units during operations, ensuring quick decision-making and coordination in the most challenging environments. It was first introduced in the late 20th century to overcome limitations of analog radios used in combat zones, where communication was often disrupted, unsecure, or delayed. To solve this, technologies like Software-Defined Radios (SDRs), SATCOM systems, and Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (MANETs) were developed, allowing soldiers, naval officers, and airmen to exchange information across terrains without depending on centralized infrastructure. Tactical communication, by definition, is the exchange of command-and-control information in real-time using secure digital means across battlefield units. It is mainly used in defense, homeland security, disaster response, and even critical law enforcement tasks. It solves real-life problems like communication blackouts, vulnerability to enemy interception, and lack of coordination during missions, while offering high mobility, secure data transmission, and adaptability across devices. Companies like Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), L&T, and foreign defense tech firms are investing in R&D for portable, AI-integrated communication systems, cyber-secure channels, and satellite-linked gear that simplify adoption by Indian forces. However, the Indian tactical communication market faces several challenges such as high dependence on imports for advanced tech slows domestic capacity building, integration with legacy defense systems remains complex due to compatibility issues, budget constraints limit faster rollout of modern communication devices across all forces, and there’s a shortage of skilled technical manpower trained to operate and maintain these advanced systems.

According to the research report India Tactical Communications Market Overview, 2030, published by Bonafide Research, the India Tactical Communications market is anticipated to grow at more than 10.08% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. The market is driven by rising cross-border tensions, growing defense spending, and the need for real-time decision-making and government-backed digitalization of the armed forces. These drivers push demand for encrypted, mobile, and robust communication networks that can perform under pressure. Recently, India rolled out the Tactical Communication Systems (TCS) program under Make in India, aiming to create indigenous battlefield communication solutions to replace outdated analog systems. Key players in this space include Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), which offers software-defined radios and integrated command-and-control systems, and Tata Advanced Systems and L&T Defence, which provide secure field communication networks and mobile command posts. These companies offer these solutions to meet military communication demands and secure defense contracts, while buyers include the Indian Army, Navy, paramilitary forces, and homeland security agencies. Suppliers often include global tech firms and domestic component manufacturers. Opportunities are immense with increasing focus on self-reliance, AI-backed situational awareness tools, and communication systems for hybrid warfare. These are opportunities because they meet strategic national interests and enhance operational performance. Compliances like ISO 9001, MIL-STD certification, and defense cyber regulations are mandatory, they solve issues related to system reliability, cybersecurity, and interoperability. Government involvement comes through DRDO, MoD procurement programs, and policy frameworks under Atmanirbhar Bharat. Recent trends include the shift towards 5G-enabled tactical devices, integration with battlefield management systems, and compact, rugged communication tools designed for mountainous and marine terrains. These trends are gaining traction as they support mobile warfare, quick deployments, and enhanced soldier connectivity, matching the evolving nature of defense strategies and on-ground requirements.

Ground platforms prevail in the market, bolstered by India's comprehensive land-based military infrastructure and the active utilization of ground forces for border security and internal operations. The Indian Army, being the principal element of the armed forces, depends significantly on sophisticated and secure tactical communication systems for coordination across many terrains, such as hilly areas, deserts, and forests. Terrestrial communication systems enable the instantaneous transmission of vital information, speech, and data across battalions and command units, assuring operational efficacy and agility. The aerial sector is seeing rapid growth because to heightened investment in the enhancement and modernization of India's aerial capabilities. The Indian Air Force and other aerial platforms are progressively incorporating secure and high-velocity communication technologies to facilitate observation, reconnaissance, and combat operations. These systems are essential for air-to-ground coordination, mission planning, and real-time data transmission, particularly in joint-force operations and disaster relief missions. India's emphasis on blue-water capabilities and maritime security in the navy sector has necessitated the development of advanced naval communication systems. These technologies facilitate fleet coordination, coastal surveillance, and interoperability between vessels and onshore command centers during both peacetime operations and active deployments. Unmanned systems, such as drones and unmanned ground vehicles, are becoming a progressively significant position in India's military policies. These systems rely on resilient communication networks for command transmission, ISR data dissemination, and navigational assistance.

In the Indian tactical communication market, applications span command & control, communication, intelligence, surveillance & reconnaissance (ISR), and combat. Among these, communication stands out as the leading application. With the Indian Armed Forces operating across diverse terrains from high-altitude borders to dense urban zones robust, secure, and real-time communication is essential for mission execution and unit coordination. Communication systems ensure seamless interaction between ground troops, headquarters, and other military platforms, playing a vital role in both peacetime readiness and active operations. Command & control (C2) applications are central to India's tactical operations. These systems provide the backbone for strategic decision-making, enabling commanders to issue directives, monitor battlefield conditions, and respond swiftly to emerging threats. As India continues to integrate network-centric warfare concepts, C2 systems are increasingly enhanced with data encryption, automation, and real-time intelligence support, allowing for faster and more informed operational responses. The intelligence, surveillance & reconnaissance (ISR) segment is the fastest-growing. India faces a dynamic security environment along its borders and in maritime zones, driving the need for real-time intelligence. ISR platforms, such as drones, satellites, and surveillance aircraft, generate vast volumes of data that must be transmitted securely and rapidly. Tactical communication systems enable this transmission, ensuring actionable intelligence reaches decision-makers and field units without delay. Combat applications are equally critical, supporting direct battlefield operations. These systems facilitate coordination among units under fire, assist in target acquisition, and support logistical commands during engagements. Reliable communication systems in combat zones improve operational outcomes by maintaining clarity, speed, and coordination under extreme conditions.

The primary categories of systems in the Indian Tactical Communications market are soldier radios, manpacks, vehicle intercommunication radios (VIC), and high-capacity data radios (HCDR). Soldier radios are the foremost and most rapidly expanding category. These radios function as the primary facilitator for dismounted personnel, delivering real-time voice and data communication in dynamic combat and operational settings. The Indian Army is prioritizing modernization and digitalization, leading to upgrades in military radios to provide secure, multi-band communication, GPS integration, encryption, and networking capabilities. This facilitates enhanced situational awareness, expedited decision-making, and superior coordination on the battlefield. Manpack radios are utilized when extended range and enhanced power exceed the capabilities of handheld army radios. These systems are essential at the platoon and company levels, especially in hilly or isolated terrains prevalent along India's borders. Manpacks provide multi-channel communication and are frequently utilized in both conventional and asymmetric combat contexts, ensuring troops maintain a solid and dependable communication link during prolonged operations. Vehicular intercommunication radios (VIC) are essential for crew communication in armored vehicles and mobile command units. In India's varied tactical vehicle fleet, VIC systems provide continuous communication among vehicle passengers, across vehicles, and with external command centers. As mechanization proliferates within India's ground forces, the demand for VIC systems is on the rise. High-capacity data radios (HCDRs) are essential for transferring substantial data volumes, including live video, reconnaissance imagery, and command-and-control updates across secure networks. These systems facilitate ISR and battlefield management operations, particularly in joint-force contexts, where high bandwidth and secure communications are essential for operational efficacy.

India's tactical communication market is classified into single frequency and multi-frequency systems based on frequency. Among these, multi-frequency systems represent the foremost and most rapidly expanding group. These technologies enable India's military forces to function across many frequency bands, including HF, VHF, UHF, and satellite communication, facilitating adaptable and secure communication across diverse terrains, domains, and mission types. The capacity to dynamically alternate between frequencies is crucial for joint operations across several sections of the Indian military, guaranteeing smooth interoperability and uninterrupted communication in rapidly evolving operational contexts. Multi-frequency systems exhibit enhanced resilience against electronic warfare threats, jamming, and signal interference, which are more pertinent in contemporary combat scenarios. India is enhancing its defense communication infrastructure and implementing the Tactical Communication (TCS) project, wherein multi-frequency radios are integral to the framework, allowing encrypted voice, data, and video transfer in hostile or isolated areas. Conversely, single frequency systems continue to be utilized, particularly in outdated platforms or in support and logistics operations when operational complexity is diminished. These systems are user-friendly and economical, although they provide restricted bandwidth and are more vulnerable to jamming or eavesdropping. They are frequently utilized in training settings, maintenance operations, or standard patrols where extensive capacity or multi-band communication is unnecessary.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Tactical Communication Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Platform
• Ground
• Airborne
• Naval
• Unmanned Systems

By Application
• Command & Control
• Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance
• Communication
• Combat

By Type
• Soldier Radios
• Manpacks
• Vehicular Intercommunication Radio (VIC)
• High Capacity Data Radio (HCDR)

By Frequency
• Single Frequency
• Multi Frequency

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.