India’s Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory (DEAL), part of DRDO, has developed the Compact Transhorizon Communication System (CTCS), a portable communication terminal designed to provide over-the-horizon connectivity using radio waves through the troposphere. This technology allows reliable high-capacity wireless links across mountainous, remote, and difficult terrains, without relying on mobile networks or satellites.

CTCS offers communication ranges up to 60 kilometers in troposcatter mode and up to 100 kilometers in line-of-sight mode, delivering data speeds up to 20 Mbps. It is equipped with a sensor-assisted alignment mechanism for low-error data transfer and AI-based link prediction software which forecasts link formation and stability. The system is compact enough to be carried in two lightweight bags and can be set up within five minutes.

The system is notable for its ability to function even in terrain where direct line of sight is impossible, making it ideal for high Himalayan regions and disaster zones. It is also less vulnerable to jamming and interception compared to satellite communication, making it a significant advantage for military operations and emergency response. The technology is currently undergoing trials in remote locations like Gujarat and Uttarakhand and is in high demand by the Indian Army, Navy, and Home Ministry.

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In addition to CTCS, DRDO’s DEAL has been advancing software-defined radio technologies that enhance secure voice and data transmission across multiple frequency bands. These developments cater to operational challenges in the Himalayan regions, where natural disasters such as landslides and avalanches frequently disrupt conventional communication.

Furthermore, DRDO collaborates with the Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE) to provide critical weather forecasting and early warning systems. These technologies enhance soldier mobility and safety by predicting adverse conditions, ensuring that communication and command systems remain resilient and responsive in rugged environments.​

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