IG Drones Secures Contract with Indian Army for VTOL and FPV Drones Made in India

Amid rising security concerns and evolving drone warfare tactics, IG Drones has solidified its position as a trusted technology partner for India’s defense forces by securing a significant contract with the Indian Army. The order includes the supply of IG Drones’ indigenously developed VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) and FPV (First-Person View) drones, designed to enhance the Army’s operational capabilities while addressing national security concerns surrounding the use of foreign components in critical defense systems.

The decision to prioritize domestically developed drone technology comes at a time when the Indian Army faces mounting security threats along international borders. Recent incidents, such as the hijacking of an Indian Army drone near the Pakistan border, have underscored the urgent need for reliable, indigenously manufactured platforms free from Chinese-origin components, which could compromise national security. As of August 2024, India had 398 drone startups, doubling in three years, surpassing China's 298. However, a recent Indian Army drone hijacking near the Pakistan border has raised security concerns, highlighting the need for certified, reliable companies to provide secure solutions.

India’s defense strategy is increasingly dependent on cutting-edge drone technology to counter challenges in high-altitude terrains, border surveillance, and rapid response operations. IG Drones’ VTOL systems are tailored for operations in extreme environments, offering unparalleled flexibility by enabling vertical take-off and landing in areas where runways are unavailable, such as mountainous regions and urban conflict zones.

The FPV drones, on the other hand, bring a real-time, first-person perspective to tactical reconnaissance, enabling precise intelligence gathering while keeping personnel out of harm’s way. These drones are particularly suited for urban warfare, search-and-rescue missions, and counter-infiltration efforts.

As part of the government’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, the Indian Army has prioritized procuring equipment that aligns with the country’s vision for self-reliance in defense manufacturing. IG Drones has responded to this call by ensuring its platforms are free from Chinese components, addressing concerns over potential data security vulnerabilities.

Speaking on the milestone, Mr. Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, Founder and CEO of IG Drones, remarked:

This contract reflects the Indian Army’s trust in our ability to deliver secure, world-class drone systems. By integrating indigenous innovation with advanced capabilities, we aim to empower the armed forces to meet modern security challenges head-on. With this, we have global aspirations to take drone ecosystem and 5-G enabled drone solutions to another level. We are committed to our forces’ determination for ensuring fool-proof security and surveillance along the borders.

Expressing his views, Major General RC Padhi, Senior VP (R&D), IG Drones, said —

The procurement of these indigenously developed drones is a significant step toward bolstering our operational capabilities amid evolving security challenges. These advanced drone systems, tailored for high-altitude and tactical operations, will play a pivotal role in ensuring reliable surveillance, precise intelligence gathering, and enhanced border security. This partnership underscores our commitment to embracing Made-in-India solutions for a self-reliant and secure defense ecosystem.

The Indian drone market is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by increasing demand across sectors like defense, agriculture, and logistics. Government initiatives such as the Drone Shakti scheme and a ban on the import of drones have further accelerated the adoption of indigenous technology. Recent data reveals that India now hosts over 390 drone startups, a figure that has more than doubled in the past three years, showcasing the sector’s potential.

With this new contract, IG Drones not only strengthens its relationship with the Indian Army but also sets a benchmark for the role of homegrown technology in bolstering national security. By aligning its efforts with India’s vision for self-reliance and innovation, the company underscores the importance of indigenous solutions in addressing the country’s evolving defense needs.

The Indian drone market is expected to reach $13 Bn in size by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 21% between 2022 and 2030. In terms of volume, drone units are projected to increase from 10,803 in 2024 to 61,393 by 2029. This rapid expansion is fueled by growing demand across sectors such as agriculture, defense, and e-commerce.

About IG Drones

IG Drones is a leading drone technology company specializing in advanced defense and industrial solutions. Driven by innovation, it has established itself as a pioneer in delivering cutting-edge technologies to meet the evolving needs of industries and national defense. At the forefront of industry-first breakthroughs, IG Drones is revolutionizing the sector with 5G-enabled drones and Made-in-India manufacturing. With AI-powered solutions, the company enhances drone applications across defense and industry. Founded by Bodhisattwa and Om Prakash and headquartered in Noida, IG Drones exemplifies industrial leadership in drone technology and innovation in India.