In a significant push toward bolstering India’s defence capabilities through Indigenous technology, Odisha-based startup IG Drones has secured a contract with the Indian Army to supply advanced drone systems. The deal underscores India’s commitment to fostering homegrown innovation and reducing dependency on foreign technology, particularly Chinese components.
The contract involves the delivery of domestically developed VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) and FPV (First-Person View) drones designed to enhance the Army’s operational capabilities. IG Drones emphasized that its systems are free from Chinese components, addressing national security concerns. While some parts, like cameras, are imported, the company ensures they are sourced from trusted non-Chinese suppliers. The decision aligns with India’s security policies prohibiting the induction of drones with Chinese-origin components.
The agreement, finalized in the second week of January, requires IG Drones to complete the delivery within a month. This development comes amid heightened concerns over foreign-made drones following recent incidents, such as the hijacking of an Indian Army drone near the Pakistan border. These events have intensified the need for reliable, indigenously manufactured platforms.
In a statement, IG Drones highlighted the Army’s shift toward domestic technology. “The decision to prioritise domestically developed drone technology comes at a time when the Indian Army faces mounting security threats along international borders. Recent incidents, such as the hijacking of an Indian Army drone near the Pakistan border, have underscored the urgent need for reliable, indigenously manufactured platforms free from Chinese-origin components, which could compromise national security,” the company noted.
The Army’s partnership with IG Drones aligns with the government’s flagship initiatives, Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, Founder and CEO of IG Drones, expressed pride in the collaboration, saying, “This contract demonstrates the Army’s trust in our ability to deliver secure, world-class drone systems. By integrating indigenous innovation with advanced capabilities, we aim to empower the armed forces to meet modern security challenges. Our vision extends globally as we strive to revolutionize the drone ecosystem and develop 5G-enabled solutions.”
Cutting-Edge Drone Technology
The VTOL drones, known as Skyhawk or helicopter drones, are specifically designed to operate in extreme environments, including mountainous terrains and areas lacking conventional runways. These hybrid systems combine fixed-wing and rotor-powered flight for superior surveillance coverage. The company claims that with a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 6 kg and an endurance time of up to one hour, the Skyhawk offers unmatched operational flexibility, enabling vertical takeoff and landing in constrained areas.
Meanwhile, the FPV drones provide real-time, first-person perspective capabilities for tactical reconnaissance. These drones enable precise intelligence gathering, keeping personnel out of harm’s way and enhancing counter-infiltration operations.
Major General RC Padhi, Senior Vice-President at IG Drones, emphasized the significance of these systems, stating, “These advanced drones will play a pivotal role in ensuring reliable surveillance, precise intelligence gathering, and enhanced border security.”
Booming Drone Ecosystem
The deal comes as India’s drone sector experiences rapid growth. The number of drone startups in India has more than doubled in the past three years, reaching 398 and surpassing China’s 298. Government initiatives like the Drone Shakti scheme have further catalyzed the industry’s expansion, propelling India to the forefront of the global drone ecosystem.
Team BharatShakti
