In the dynamic landscape of defence technology, the Indian Army is set to receive a significant boost through the indigenous innovations of IG Drones, an Odisha-based startup. This development aligns seamlessly with India’s ambitious Make in India initiative, championing self-reliance and Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing. On January 29, 2025, it was announced that IG Drones to Supply Drone to Indian Army, a move underscoring India’s commitment to bolstering national security with homegrown technology.
IG Drones, under the leadership of Founder and CEO Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, is tasked with supplying domestically developed VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) and FPV (first-person view) drones. These systems promise to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian armed forces, particularly in critical areas such as border surveillance and counter-infiltration missions. This contract marks a noteworthy milestone for India’s rapidly progressing defence technology sector and highlights the nation’s determination to reduce reliance on foreign-manufactured drones, which often incorporate components from countries like China—a matter of increasing security concern.
The recent incidents involving drone hijacking near the Pakistan border have further fueled the need for domestically produced alternatives. In response, IG Drones has taken a firm stand on ensuring that its products are free from Chinese components, thereby reinforcing its commitment to national security. Sanghapriya expressed confidence in meeting the Army’s operational requirements and emphasised the role of indigenous innovation and advanced capabilities in addressing modern security challenges effectively.
The strategic capabilities of IG Drones’ products are particularly compelling. VTOL drones are adept at operating in extreme environments, offering crucial advantages in mountainous terrains and regions where conventional runways are absent. Meanwhile, FPV drones provide real-time surveillance capabilities, significantly bolstering intelligence-gathering and tactical decision-making processes.
Major General RC Padhi (Retd.), Senior Vice-President of IG Drones, highlighted the transformative potential of this partnership. He articulated that these advanced drone systems would be instrumental in ensuring reliable surveillance, precise intelligence gathering, and strengthened border security. This collaboration thus represents not only a leap forward for IG Drones but also a substantial stride in modernising India’s defence arsenal with indigenous technology.
The burgeoning drone industry in India has witnessed remarkable growth, powered by government initiatives such as the Drone Shakti scheme. In the past three years, the number of drone companies within the country has surged to 398, surpassing China’s tally of 298. This growth trajectory is a testament to India’s fertile ground for innovation and entrepreneurship, further supplemented by strategic partnerships like the one with IG Drones.
This contract is a harbinger of a new chapter in India’s defence modernisation journey. It exemplifies the potential of indigenous technology in safeguarding the nation and highlights the vital role of homegrown enterprises in the broader socio-economic narrative driven by the Make in India ethos.
As India continues to carve out its path to technological and strategic autonomy, ventures such as IG Drones serve as beacons of progress. By integrating cutting-edge innovations and ensuring national interests are paramount, these enterprises fortify India’s defence capabilities, meeting the demands of contemporary security landscapes.
In conclusion, the collaboration between IG Drones and the Indian Army is a testament to the strength and potential of indigenous innovation in the defence sector. It reflects the broader narrative of India’s pursuit of self-reliance and technological advancement, setting a precedent for future initiatives in national security and defence modernisation.