At the border between Pakistan, India displays its drone strength and proficiency in high-altitude operations.
India's defense technology has taken a significant leap with indigenous advancements in drones and robots, as demonstrated during the recent commemoration of the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas in Drass.
The event showcased the capabilities of various drones and robotic systems, including logistic drones, designed for patrolling, reconnaissance, and load-carrying tasks in rough terrains along the Line of Control (LoC). These systems are engineered for operations in extreme conditions, such as the sub-zero temperatures and high altitudes of Kargil, at 4,000 meters above sea level.
One of the highlights was the demonstration of indigenously developed logistic drones, capable of delivering supplies, including ammunition, to remote and rugged locations. These drones have the potential to reduce the physical burden on soldiers and improve operational efficiency.
The Indian Army's drone shows during the Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations further underscored India's progress in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and robotic systems. In Operation Sindoor, drones successfully destroyed terror camps across the border, demonstrating their growing precision strike capabilities.
Key advancements in India's defense drone and robotics sector include the development of indigenous UAVs and kamikaze drones by young Indian engineers. Start-ups like Apollyon Dynamics, founded by two engineering students, have produced high-speed, radar-proof kamikaze drones capable of reaching speeds up to 300 km/h and carrying 1 kg payloads. These drones are built from off-the-shelf parts but customized extensively for India’s diverse terrain, demonstrating adaptability to operational needs across different geographies.
The event also emphasized India's robust indigenous air defense systems, such as the Akashteer, often called India’s ‘Iron Dome’. This system integrates data from multiple sensors and radars, enabling precise interception of aerial threats even in high-pressure conflict zones.
While 500+ Indian drone startups exist, the reliance on imported subcomponents has been an Achilles’ heel. However, companies like Raphe mPhibr have pioneered fully indigenous and scalable drone subsystems adapted to India's highly varied geographic conditions—from deserts to high altitude snowy regions—allowing bespoke solutions made in direct response to armed forces’ feedback. This engineering focus ensures operational reliability in extreme climates and terrains.
The Indian government has introduced incentives totaling around USD 234 million to boost domestic drone manufacturing with an aim for 40% of key components to be made in India by 2028. The ecosystem is evolving rapidly, supported by funding growth and deregulation initiatives that foster innovation and production scale.
The display during the Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations in Drass highlighted significant advancements in India's military technology, reflecting the country's growing precision strike capabilities, as demonstrated in Operation Sindoor. The event underscores India's progress towards self-reliance in defense technology, 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.
- The advancements in India's defense technology, showcased during the Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations, extend beyond drones and robots, with a growing focus on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and kamikaze drones.
- In the sports sector, the adaptability of drones manufactured by start-ups like Apollyon Dynamics, built for India's diverse terrain, could potentially revolutionize the field by providing precision and operational efficiency not previously achievable.
