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Indian drone manufacturer ideaForge Technology has secured a significant Rs 137 crore contract from the Indian Army, marking a strategic acquisition under the emergency procurement framework for advanced unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The deal underscores India’s push for indigenous innovation in defence and rapid capability enhancement.
High-End VTOL Drones for Tactical Edge
At the core of this order are ideaForge’s hybrid Mini UAVs—fixed-wing drones with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability—designed to enhance the Army’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. These systems are not prototypes but battle-tested platforms, certified for military use and already deployed in operational scenarios.
Indigenous Advantage Amid Geopolitical Scrutiny
With national security and supply chain integrity in focus, the Army applied stringent origin criteria to this procurement. All critical subsystems had to be sourced from allied or neutral countries, explicitly excluding any from nations with which India shares land borders. ideaForge met this requirement through its largely indigenous design and manufacturing processes.
What sets this procurement apart is the rigorous vetting undertaken. Two independent technical evaluation teams were appointed to scrutinize the drones’ components, supply chains, and cyber resilience. These teams even disassembled parts at the factory level to ensure compliance with security protocols and performance standards.
Battlefield Proven During Operation Sindoor
These UAVs have demonstrated real-world reliability. During Operation Sindoor, ideaForge drones played a crucial ISR role, delivering real-time tactical intelligence to field commanders. Their performance earned them the coveted “Fit for Indian Military Use” certification from the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA), confirming their robustness under demanding conditions.
Ankit Mehta, Co-founder and CEO of ideaForge, called the deal a reaffirmation of the Army’s trust in Indian defence innovation.
“We are proud to support India’s counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations with secure, indigenous UAV platforms. This order reflects our commitment to building world-class systems tailored to the needs of our armed forces.”
In line with the Army’s immediate operational needs, the UAV systems are slated for delivery within 12 months, ensuring swift deployment to bolster frontline capabilities.
Team BharatShakti
