In a landmark move towards bolstering India’s defense capabilities with indigenous technology, IG Drones, an Odisha-based startup, has secured a contract to supply the Indian Army with advanced drone systems. The deal marks a significant step in India’s defense modernization efforts and aligns with the government’s vision under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

A Major Milestone for IG Drones

The contract includes the delivery of domestically developed Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) drones and First-Person View (FPV) drones, which are designed to enhance the Indian Army’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. This achievement comes at a time when security concerns around foreign-made drones, particularly those containing Chinese components, have intensified, especially after recent incidents of drone hijacking near the Pakistan border.

Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, Founder and CEO of IG Drones, celebrated the moment as a reflection of the trust placed in the company’s ability to deliver world-class, secure drone systems. “By integrating indigenous innovation with advanced capabilities, we aim to empower the armed forces to meet modern security challenges head-on,” he said.

Drone Technology for Border Security and Surveillance

The VTOL systems developed by IG Drones are particularly suited for operations in extreme environments, offering critical advantages in mountainous terrains and areas without conventional runways. This makes them ideal for operations in India’s northern and eastern borders. Additionally, the FPV drones provide real-time surveillance, which is essential for counter-infiltration and intelligence-gathering operations.

Major General RC Padhi, Senior Vice President of IG Drones, emphasized the strategic importance of these drone systems. “These advanced drones will play a pivotal role in ensuring reliable surveillance, precise intelligence gathering, and enhanced border security,” he stated.

Growth of India’s Drone Industry

The number of drone startups in India has more than doubled in the past three years, with 398 companies now operating in the sector, surpassing China’s 298. Initiatives like the Drone Shakti scheme have catalyzed this growth, providing a platform for innovation and driving the country’s ambition to be self-reliant in defense technology.

IG Drones’ decision to exclude Chinese components from their platforms reflects its commitment to national security and showcases India’s growing capabilities in advanced defense manufacturing. This strategic partnership between IG Drones and the Indian Army signals a new era in India’s defense procurement, focused on indigenous innovation and national security.

The partnership between IG Drones and the Indian Army is a testament to India’s growing strength in indigenous defense technology. It not only highlights the startup’s innovation but also demonstrates the country’s readiness to leverage homegrown solutions to address modern security challenges. As India continues to strengthen its defense sector, the role of startups like IG Drones will be pivotal in ensuring the nation’s security and self-reliance in the defense industry.

Said By Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya
Founder And CEO , IG Drone