Latest news with #IGDrones
News18
21-05-2025
- Business
- News18
'Indian Surveillance Drone In Stratosphere In 24-36 Months': CEO Of Start-Up That Was Key To Op Sindoor
Last Updated: Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, founder and CEO of IG Drones, said should conflicts arise again, India won't be playing catch-up In the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Azerbaijan's extensive use of drones was the first tell-tale sign that the technology would be dominant in the wars to come. This proved true during Operation Sindoor and the immediate India-Pakistan conflict that followed as both countries used drones heavily. While Pakistan relied on Turkish-made Bayraktar, the same drones used by Azerbaijan, India went indigenous, betting big on four companies. One of them is IG Drones, a small student-driven start-up that kickstarted a year before the Balakot strike. By the time Operation Sindoor took place, the Indian Army was banking on them like three other Indian drone ventures. Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, founder and CEO of IG Drones who prefers to be called the 'Son of Odisha', says gone are the days India used to 'chase'; instead, it sets its own doctrine. At a time when fighting a war is costly, Sanghapriya talks about his Kamikaze drone that costs just Rs 1 lakh and was put to use against Pakistan. He assures that within one to one-and-a-half years, India will have its surveillance drone in the stratosphere. Edited Excerpts: From being just another start-up to being mentioned by the government as one of the four drone companies in Operation Sindoor, how has the journey been? The journey has been nothing short of transformational. IG Drones started in 2018 from a modest student-led initiative in Odisha, born out of a college project aimed at solving real-world problems like sedimentation in the Hirakud reservoir. What began as academic curiosity evolved into a company that now delivers mission-critical drone systems to India's defence forces. After Operation Sindoor and amid the growing use of drones in India-Pakistan tensions, how impactful were the 2021 Liberalised Drone Rules? The 2021 Liberalised Drone Rules were a turning point for India's drone sector. Prior to this reform, drone development was heavily restricted—every flight, survey, or test needed tedious DGCA clearances. Innovation was throttled by red tape. These rules dismantled those barriers. They liberalised drone licensing, opened airspace access, and simplified testing procedures, creating an ecosystem conducive to R&D and industrial scaling. For companies like ours, it meant the ability to prototype quickly, deploy at scale, and localise manufacturing. What we're seeing now—FPV Kamikaze drones used in live ops, AI-enabled ISR drones patrolling borders, and fully Indian-made VTOL systems—is the result of that policy shift. It wasn't just a regulatory change—it was a catalyst that set India's drone defence ecosystem into overdrive. There's talk of IG Drones' Rs 1 lakh FPV Kamikaze drones being used against Pakistan. Is this true—and how viable is it? Yes, it's accurate, and represents a strategic leap in low-cost, high-impact aerial warfare. Our Rs 1 lakh FPV Kamikaze drones are engineered for precision strike missions, reaching speeds of up to 140km/h, with integrated EO/IR optics and optimised payload delivery mechanisms. These are one-way attack UAVs designed for dynamic target acquisition and terminal engagement. The viability stems from their exceptional cost-to-effectiveness ratio. Conventional loitering munitions from foreign OEMs can cost Rs 10–20 lakh per unit. In contrast, our platform delivers comparable kinetic output at 5–10 per cent of that cost—making it highly scalable for saturation strikes and attritional warfare, especially in contested zones like the LoC. This is more than just frugal engineering; it's sovereign capability enhancement, providing the Indian Armed Forces with a domestically developed, modular, and field-adaptable tactical asset. Operating in conflict zones like Poonch demands military-grade preparedness. During a recent escalation, four of our field engineers were on a forward surveillance mission and temporarily caught in crossfire. Their successful extraction was a result of strict adherence to hardened field protocols—not chance. We follow standard operating procedures aligned with defence logistics: all deployments involve encrypted comms, and pre-approved extraction routes coordinated with the Indian Army. Our personnel undergo combat-zone readiness training, and every mission is backed by a centralised command and control (C2) node for real-time decision support. At IG Drones, we don't just deploy drones; we deploy tactically aware, trained drone operatives. We are institutionalising 'drone soldiers" to match the evolving nature of hybrid warfare Pakistan has been using Turkish drones like the Bayraktar/Bakhtiyar. Should India be concerned? Pakistan's acquisition of platforms like the Bayraktar TB2 is a known factor, but India is now defining the technological curve rather than chasing it. While the TB2 offers long endurance and guided munitions, our UAV systems incorporate AI-assisted object recognition, swarm coordination, secure mesh networking, and hardened anti-GNSS spoofing systems. These capabilities are engineered specifically for high-interference environments and complex terrains typical of South Asia. Furthermore, the Indian advantage lies in full-stack integration—our drones leverage indigenous sensors, communication stacks, and data fusion algorithms to create actionable ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) outputs in real time. In short, the doctrine has shifted. It's no longer about parity—it's about superiority through indigenous innovation and operational intelligence. When do you expect India to launch a stratospheric drone (HAPS)? High-Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS) are indeed the next frontier in aerial dominance. These are stratospheric drones that can hover at 20–30 km altitude for weeks or even months, acting like low-orbit satellites—but with more flexibility and far lower cost. At IG Drones, we're in the early stages of architectural design and feasibility assessments for HAPS systems, in collaboration with research institutions and defence stakeholders. The DRDO's successful 2025 test of a stratospheric airship validates that we're on the right trajectory. Given the current pace of indigenous R&D and the government's push for strategic autonomy, we estimate that India could see its first operational HAPS platforms within the next 24–36 months. These will revolutionise ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance), remote connectivity, and emergency communication. With India's new doctrine of treating future terror attacks as acts of war, how confident are you in our drone edge over Pakistan? We are unequivocally confident. India has transitioned from a reactive posture to a proactive and deterrence-based drone warfare strategy—and we're leading that transformation. Today, we possess a robust and fully indigenous drone arsenal: high-speed FPV Kamikaze drones, AI-driven ISR platforms, autonomous swarm systems, and precision loitering munitions—all designed, developed, and produced domestically. What once took years to prototype, we now iterate within months—thanks to vertical integration of R&D, avionics, and advanced manufacturing under one command structure. top videos View all This isn't just about building drones; it's about building a battlefield advantage. Our systems are engineered for interoperability, rapid deployment, and mission-specific adaptability. Backed by national defence programs, PLI incentives, and forward-leaning policy support, India's drone warfare capability is not just prepared—it's dominant. Should conflict arise, India won't be playing catch-up. We will set the tempo—operationally, technologically, and strategically. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Drones Indian Army news18 specials Operation Sindoor Poonch turkey Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 21, 2025, 12:11 IST News india 'Indian Surveillance Drone In Stratosphere In 24-36 Months': CEO Of Start-Up That Was Key To Op Sindoor
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Operation Sindoor: How India's private sector is arming our military, and why it could transform the future of defence
Operation Sindoor has put a spotlight on India's growing defence strength, especially the rising role of private companies in military technology. A decade ago, India mostly depended on public sector undertakings (PSUs) and foreign imports for defence needs. But now, private firms are leading innovation and becoming key partners in building modern systems for warfare. Firms like Tata Advanced Systems (TAS), Alpha Design Technologies (ADTL), Paras Defence & Space Technologies, ideaForge, and IG Drones are no longer just supporting players, they are helping shape India's military future. TAS, for example, is working with Airbus Spain to make C-295 military transport aircraft at the country's first private aircraft factory in Vadodara. Paras Defence is known for its work in electronic warfare, optics, and drone systems. Alpha Design provides everything from radars to tank parts and satellite equipment. Other big players such as Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Adani Group, and Bharat Forge are also growing their presence in defence. For instance, L&T won contracts worth over Rs 13,000 crore to supply radar and weapon systems. Adani recently opened two new plants to make ammunition and missiles in Uttar Pradesh, aiming to meet 25% of India's small-calibre ammunition needs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas Prices In Dubai Might Be More Affordable Than You Think Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Quote Undo Leading the drone revolution One of the biggest success stories of the private sector has been in drone technology. In the 1990s, India began using Israeli drones like the Heron and Searcher. But the 1999 Kargil War showed how much India needed real-time intelligence from its own systems. Since then, DRDO and private firms have worked to develop Indian drones. By May 2025, India's armed forces were using many home-grown drones. ideaForge's SWITCH UAV and NETRA V2, made with DRDO, have already been deployed. Alpha Design teamed up with Israel's Elbit Systems to build the SkyStriker, a drone that can carry out precise attacks. Solar Industries' Nagastra-1 added to India's strike options, while NewSpace Research provided drone-swarm capabilities for the Air Force. Live Events What's coming next? The development of drones is not slowing down. New platforms are being built for logistics and high-altitude missions, such as Garuda Aerospace's Jatayu and SkyPod for regions like Siachen. Drones like Throttle Aerospace's Raven and AI-based swarm systems from 114AI and NewSpace show how startups are driving the next wave of military technology. The Drone Federation of India, with over 550 companies and 5,500 pilots, is aiming to make India a global drone hub by 2030. IG Drones, which works with the Indian Army and government agencies, is a good example of how private firms are providing services, research, and manufacturing for defence. Big numbers, bigger goals India's defence exports touched nearly Rs 24,000 crore ($2.9 billion) in FY25, and private firms played a huge role. The government wants to double this to Rs 50,000 crore by 2029. The Indian drone market alone could be worth $11 billion by 2030, making up over 12% of the global share. Earlier this month, defence stocks jumped by up to 4% after Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Operation Sindoor and said India must lead in defence innovation with its own technology. 'We have proven our strength in modern warfare,' he said. Policy support fuels growth The success of Operation Sindoor was made possible by government policies that supported private defence production. Since 2021, India has banned imported drones and launched a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme with Rs 120 crore to boost local manufacturing. In FY24, India's home-grown defence production hit Rs 1.3 lakh crore, and the share of private companies is rising steadily. Initiatives like iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) and SRIJAN (import substitution) are helping startups and companies enter the defence space. Looking ahead: Space is the next frontier The future of defence will involve more AI-powered and autonomous systems, and private firms are well-suited for this challenge. Operation Sindoor showed how a strong partnership between private companies, the public sector, and the military can help India become a high-tech power. Space will be a big part of this journey. India still lags behind countries like the US and China in military satellites, but it is catching up. Companies like Digantara, Pixxel, Dhruva Space, and Ananth Technologies are working on satellite systems and space tech. Earlier this year, three South India-based private firms were chosen to co-develop 31 satellites under the Space-Based Surveillance-3 (SBS-3) programme. This marks the first time private firms are building satellites for strategic military use. With 52 new satellites planned, 21 by ISRO and 31 by the private sector, India's space surveillance capability is set to grow quickly. Inputs from TOI
News18
17-05-2025
- Business
- News18
From Budget Drones To Hypersonic Missiles: India's Defence Sector Enters A New Era
Last Updated: India is soon to get an indigenous hypersonic missile that can fly at a speed of Mach 5. This will mark a significant boost in Indian defence sector. Army drones that can hit the target are available in India for just Rs 1 lakh, said Major General Ramesh Chandra Padhi (retd), Senior Vice President of IG Drones, at the Network18 Powering Bharat Summit. His remarks are notable as they challenge the conventional belief that defence technologies are expensive. Speaking at the Defending Bharat panel at the summit, Padhi spoke about FPV Kamikaze — small drones with the capacity to fly at 140 km/hr before hitting the target. 'We have got very small drones, FPV Kamikaze, where you see your target, the speed goes up to 140 km/hr and then it drops directly and hits the target," he said. Padhi's remarks also indicate that made-in-India defence technologies can be more affordable. IG Drones recently gained significant attention after being listed in a government release as one of the four drone companies involved in Operation Sindoor. India carried out the operation in response to the 22 April Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives. During the attack, India targeted nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In another significant development in the defence sector, India is soon to get an indigenous hypersonic missile that can fly at a speed of Mach 5, marking a major achievement in the defence sector, informed Dr Sudhir Kumar Mishra, veteran DRDO scientist, who was speaking at the Powering Bharat Summit. In conversation with Moneycontrol's Managing Editor Nalin Mehta, the ex-DRDO chief said that DRDO recently conducted a hypersonic engine test, and soon it will come out with a hypersonic missile that will reach Mach 5 speed. 'All the technologies for BrahMos were developed in-house by DRDO. We even built the world's largest launcher ourselves," Mishra said. First Published: May 17, 2025, 08:37 IST
Mint
09-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
Indian drone makers see demand opportunity in border tensions, boost production
Anticipating a rise in demand for defence technologies due to escalating border tensions and deepening geopolitical unrest, Indian drone manufacturers such as IdeaForge, IG Drones, and Garuda Aerospace are boosting their production of surveillance and tactical systems. The India-Pakistan conflict has seen both sides deploy drones for warfare and surveillance. The Indian defence forces are known to have deployed Israeli-made so-called suicide drones on 8 May. But given that the tensions are far from ebbing, Indian drone makers are looking to cater to an expected rise in demand for such defence technologies. Also Read | US Army plans massive increase in its use of drones "Our teams are currently deployed in the valley. Many of our customers already use our technology, so we remain on standby, ready to enhance their operational capabilities," Ankit Mehta, chief executive officer (CEO) of IdeaForge said, adding that due to the sensitive nature of the situation, the company is not privy to how the Indian armed forces are using their assets on the ground. Mehta also refused to divulge details about the kind of drones - and quantity - that were being sought, saying that the information was sensitive. Also Read | Drone startups looking beyond defence to serve agriculture, quick commerce Similarly, IG Drones, a Delhi-based start-up, has ramped up manufacturing efforts in response to the growing demand for defence technology. Shuvam Dash, co-founder of IG Drones said that escalating border tensions have prompted the company to boost production. Govt procurement Likely procurements by the armed forces could provide some much-needed relief to drone companies, which have faced a slowdown due to delays in government contracts. On Friday, IdeaForge reported a ₹26 crore loss in Q4 FY25, marking its third consecutive quarter of losses. Despite these setbacks, the company's operating revenue rose 15% quarter-on-quarter, reaching ₹20.3 crore. Interestingly, in Q4 FY25, civil contracts accounted for a massive 96% of the company's revenue, with defence contracts contributing just 4%. Also Read | Insurance for RE, hydro projects in border states to rise amid conflict There is a growing emphasis on the need for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Mehta explained, 'We believe it's crucial to have the capability to find, locate, and designate targets that are important for our national security. That's where ISR capabilities can play a vital role." In addition, armed drones and ISR are expected to be increasingly leveraged for retaliatory actions. 'What's very clear to us is that drones are going to be a de facto part of the infrastructure deployed for security and governance," said Mehta, emphasising the evolving role of drones in national defence. Investors like Cornerstone Ventures are doubling down on their belief in the long-term value of drones for national security. Cornerstone Ventures has backed NewSpace Research & Technologies, a key manufacturer in India's defence drone sector and co-developer of the indigenously built kamikaze drones, recently deployed across the border, according to media reports. "Large corporations in the defence space typically offer a bouquet of services, and when there's a ₹10,000– ₹20,000 crore defence budget, about 90% of it goes to those major players. But that's exactly where the innovation and unique strengths of startups come in," said Abhishek Prasad, managing partner at Cornerstone Ventures. These niche innovations can be crucial and often lead to partnerships with bigger players, who value the depth of expertise smaller firms bring, Prasad added. Even so, the road to profitability remains uncertain, as procurement processes continue to evolve—especially since larger players like Tata Advanced Systems Ltd and Adani Defence continue to dominate the space. Aerial platforms remain the focal point of this shift, leaving smaller and emerging firms to carve out niche advantages in a highly-competitive environment.
Time of India
21-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
AICTE ties up with IG Drones to set up drone centres of excellence in 50 engineering colleges
All India Council for Technical Education ( AICTE ) has partnered with drone technology startup IG Drones to set up drone centres of excellence (CoEs) across 50 engineering colleges in India. Under the initiative, 200 students from each university will be trained, equipping over 10,000 learners with specialised expertise in drone technology, IG Drones said in a statement. "This initiative is aligned with the government of India's vision of 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', aiming to bridge the skill gap in emerging technologies by empowering youth with cutting-edge training in drone technology," it said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 10 Things Flight Attendants Rarely Talk About, Plus Tips to Make Your Flights More Comfortable Enhancing In-Flight Comfort Undo The drone CoEs will act as hubs for innovation, hands-on training and research where students will gain industry-relevant skills and certifications in drone operations, manufacturing and applications. These centres will aim to foster entrepreneurship and indigenous innovation, creating a skilled workforce for high-impact sectors like agriculture, defence, disaster management, logistics and urban planning, according to the statement. Also Read: Drone startup Garuda Aerospace secures Rs 100 crore funding from Venture Catalysts at $250 million valuation Live Events "These centres of excellence will serve as vibrant hubs of innovation—democratising access to advanced technology, promoting inclusion, and fostering entrepreneurship and indigenous development. They will not only equip students with industry-ready skills but also encourage them to launch their own startups and build solutions in high-end tech drone sectors," said AICTE chairman T G Sitharam. Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories India's first drone centre of excellence was established in Odisha in February. "Through this partnership, we aim to build a drone ecosystem that is truly 'Made in India', powered by local talent, and equipped to serve global standards. We believe this is how we make technology inclusive, equitable, and meaningful, especially for rural and tribal communities," said Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, founder of IG Drones. Also Read: Army to acquire 9 more Laser-based counter-drone systems for deployment along Pakistan, China borders
