The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing a portable electronic intelligence system designed to detect and analyse signals emitted by enemy radars and other electronic equipment. The initiative is being pursued by the Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL) in Hyderabad, which has issued a tender for the development, integration and qualification of man-portable electronic intelligence modules.
The proposed system is intended to give military personnel access to electronic intelligence capabilities in the field without depending entirely on larger or vehicle-mounted equipment. By analysing radar emissions and other electronic signals, the modules could help identify the type and characteristics of systems operating in an area.
How the Portable ELINT System Works
Electronic intelligence, commonly known as ELINT, involves collecting and analysing electromagnetic emissions from radars and other electronic equipment. These signals can provide information about an operating system’s characteristics, including its frequency range and transmission patterns.
The proposed modules are expected to help military personnel identify electronic activity and improve their understanding of potential threats. Information gathered through signal analysis could also support electronic warfare operations by helping specialists assess options for countering hostile systems.
Supporting Counter-Drone Operations
The development comes amid growing military interest in counter-drone capabilities and electronic warfare. Analysing electronic emissions may help forces identify signals associated with hostile radar systems or certain drone-related activities, depending on the signals available and the equipment’s capabilities.
The intelligence gathered could help military teams assess threats and support more targeted countermeasures. However, detecting and analysing electronic emissions is different from visually detecting a drone or tracking its physical position. The system’s effectiveness against specific drone threats will depend on its final technical capabilities and operational integration.
Development and Qualification Ahead
The DRDO tender covers three broad stages: development, integration and qualification. These stages are intended to establish whether the modules can be developed, combined into a functional system and tested against the required technical and environmental standards.
The project remains under development. Publicly available reports do not confirm that the specific system has completed qualification testing or entered service with the armed forces.
Strengthening India’s Electronic Warfare Capabilities
Portable electronic intelligence equipment could provide military personnel with additional information about radar activity in challenging operational environments, including remote and difficult-to-access terrain.
The initiative forms part of the wider effort to strengthen India’s indigenous defence technology capabilities. Its eventual operational value will depend on the system’s performance, reliability and ability to work alongside existing surveillance and electronic warfare equipment.
