Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has developed and demonstrated the first prototypes of the Tactical Communication System (TCS) for the Indian Army at its Bengaluru complex, a milestone in a programme that has been delayed for more than two decades. Senior Army leadership, including the Signal Officer-in-Chief, recently inspected the prototypes and discussed future battlefield communication needs with BEL’s team.
The move brings India closer to fielding a fully indigenous, secure “battlefield internet” that can connect commanders and units from corps level down to the forward-most soldier in real time.
What Is the Tactical Communication System (TCS)?
In simple terms, TCS is a secure, mobile, digital communication network for the battlefield.
It is designed to:
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Link corps, division, brigade and battalion headquarters with fighting units in the field
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Carry voice, data and video over encrypted links
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Remain survivable under electronic warfare, jamming and physical attack
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Integrate seamlessly with higher-level strategic networks like ASCON and other tri-service systems
TCS replaces the old idea of “just radios” with a full IP-based tactical network – effectively a military 4G/5G-style grid that moves with a formation and keeps working even when nodes are damaged or on the move.
According to official and industry descriptions, a TCS set typically includes: high-capacity transmission elements (microwave, optical, troposcatter), a field wireless system based on 4G/LTE, routing and switching equipment, mobile communication shelters on vehicles, network management and strong crypto/security subsystems.
Its core “work” on the battlefield is to ensure every commander and sensor can talk, share data and see the same tactical picture in real time, enabling network-centric operations.
What Has BEL Built Now?
Under a Project Sanction Order (PSO) issued by the Indian Army in 2024, two Indian vendors were tasked to design and build TCS prototypes based on state-of-the-art communication technologies.
BEL is one of these development agencies. Over the past year and a half, it has:
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Developed the first TCS prototype configuration, including communication nodes, radios and network management
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Integrated the system at its Military Communication Strategic Business Unit in Bengaluru
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Brought the prototype to a stage where the Signal Officer-in-Chief could inspect its readiness, give feedback and outline future requirements
Once BEL and the second vendor hand over their complete prototypes, the Army will put them through extensive technical evaluations, field trials and user testing in plains and desert sectors. After trials, one solution (or a hybrid) is expected to be selected for large-scale production, with plans to induct at least seven TCS systems for plains/deserts and later seven more for mountains.
Which Systems Is India Still Using Today?
While TCS moves into the prototype and trial stage, the Indian Army is still relying on legacy and upgraded systems to meet its tactical communication needs:
1. AREN – Army Radio Engineering Network (legacy tactical backbone)
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AREN is the current tactical communication network for offensive formations, using radio relay equipment to link brigade HQs with division and corps HQs on the battlefield.
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It was designed in the 1980s/90s and became operational decades ago; by the late 1990s it was already flagged as outdated.
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TCS is explicitly intended to replace AREN in these roles.
2. ASCON – Army Static Switched Communication Network (strategic/theatre backbone)
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ASCON is the Army’s static, high-capacity telecom backbone, providing secure voice, data and video between fixed and semi-mobile headquarters.
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Phase-IV of ASCON is now being implemented, upgrading older ATM-based infrastructure to IP/MPLS using optical fibre, microwave and satellite links, extending high-bandwidth connectivity deep into forward areas.
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ASCON will remain the rear-area backbone, while TCS will provide the front-line mobile network that plugs into it.
3. CNR – Combat Net Radio and new Software-Defined Radios (SDRs)
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For company- and platoon-level communication, the Army still uses Combat Net Radios (CNR) as the primary voice network; these have been the backbone of land operations for years.
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However, CNRs have limitations in data handling and flexibility, so the Army has started inducting indigenous DRDO-BEL Software Defined Radios (SDRs) under the IRSA architecture to modernise tactical communications, improve encryption and enable data-heavy applications.
In short: ASCON + AREN + CNR/SDR currently keep the Army connected. TCS is meant to replace AREN and tightly integrate with ASCON and SDRs, giving India an end-to-end indigenous tactical info-communication network.
Why the Tactical Communication System Matters
The Tactical Communication System (TCS) is increasingly seen as the backbone of a digitised battlefield for the Indian Army. It delivers the high bandwidth needed for live video from UAVs, surveillance sensors, and forward observers, and its IP-based architecture allows seamless integration of evolving battlefield applications and command-and-control systems.
Designed for resilience, TCS uses mesh networking, frequency agility, and strong encryption to function even under cyber threats and intense electronic warfare. Developed under the ‘Make in India’ framework, it strengthens strategic autonomy by relying on indigenous technologies.
Within the Army’s broader Tactical Info-communication Network, TCS forms the mobile layer that links forward units with the ASCON backbone, working alongside troposcatter systems and software-defined radios (SDRs) to create a unified and secure communication grid.
The Long Road to TCS – and What Comes Next
The Army’s Tactical Communication System (TCS) was supposed to be ready around the year 2000, and later expected to finally start moving in 2017, but the project became stuck in bureaucratic delays for many years. It was first planned in the late 1990s as “TCS-2000”, but approvals, repeated tenders, and disagreements between agencies slowed it down. Only in 2016 did the Ministry of Defence take a clearer decision and ask two Indian companies to build prototypes under the Make-II / Make in India programme, with plans for competitive trials later.
BEL’s creation of the first prototype is an important step forward. It shows that the technology is now mature enough for the Army to start proper testing. It also means India is getting closer to replacing the old AREN network with a modern, secure battlefield communication system. With TCS, future armoured brigades, integrated battle groups, and mountain strike units will be able to use a real battlefield internet, connecting sensors, drones, artillery, and air-defence systems in real time.
Over the next few years, the prototypes will face lab tests, field trials in different terrains, and stress tests against heavy data use and electronic attacks. If everything goes as planned, the first TCS units could enter service later this decade, working with ASCON Phase-IV upgrades and Software-Defined Radios (SDRs) to significantly improve how the Indian Army communicates and fight
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