The Indian Army has given the start-up IG Drones, based in Odisha, a sizable contract to supply locally produced FPV (First-Person View) and VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) drones. This action is a part of India’s plan to improve national security and lessen dependency on foreign defense system components, particularly in light of recent border security incidents.
The contract emphasizes self-reliance in defense manufacturing and is in line with the Indian government’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. The platforms from IG Drones are made especially for urban warfare and high-altitude terrain, meeting the Army’s particular operational needs.
While FPV drones offer real-time reconnaissance capabilities, VTOL drones provide flexibility for operations in difficult terrains without traditional runways. It is anticipated that these features will improve border security, surveillance, and intelligence collection.
By 2030, it is anticipated that the Indian drone market will have grown to a size of $13 billion. With innovations like 5G-enabled solutions, IG Drones hopes to advance India’s drone ecosystem internationally while also contributing to this growth.
While Major General RC Padhi emphasized the significance of these drones in enhancing operational capabilities in the face of changing security challenges, Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, CEO of IG Drones, expressed confidence in their ability to deliver secure drone systems.
In the last three years, Idnia has more than doubled its drone startup count to 398, surpassing China’s 298. The sector’s growth has been accelerated by government initiatives like the Drone Shakti scheme.
“IG Drones’ commitment to excluding Chinese components from their platforms addresses critical national security concerns while demonstrating India’s growing capabilities in advanced defence technology manufacturing,” the business stated in a statement.
It highlighted the vital role of domestic technology in preserving national security and said the strategic partnership represents a new phase in India’s defense modernization efforts.
