ENA Sectors 2025-01-29 17:03:22 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Odisha, Jan 29 (KNN)</strong> In a significant step towards enhancing India's defence capabilities through indigenous technology, Odisha-based startup IG Drones has secured a contract with the Indian Army to supply advanced drone systems.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This agreement underscores India's commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing, aligning with the governments Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The contract entails the delivery of domestically developed VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) and FPV (first-person view) drones, marking a milestone for Indias rapidly evolving defence technology sector.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">These advanced drones are expected to provide a tactical edge to the armed forces, particularly in border surveillance and counter-infiltration operations.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The move comes at a crucial time when security concerns over foreign-manufactured drones, particularly those incorporating Chinese components, have heightened.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Recent incidents of drone hijacking near the Pakistan border have intensified the urgency for domestically produced alternatives that ensure national security.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">IG Drones' Founder and CEO, Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, expressed confidence in their ability to meet the Armys operational needs. By integrating indigenous innovation with advanced capabilities, we aim to empower the armed forces to meet modern security challenges head-on, he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The VTOL drones, designed to operate in extreme environments, offer a crucial advantage in mountainous terrains and regions lacking conventional runways.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Meanwhile, FPV drones provide real-time surveillance, significantly enhancing intelligence-gathering and tactical decision-making.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Major General RC Padhi (Retd.), Senior Vice-President of IG Drones, emphasized the impact of this partnership. These advanced drone systems will play a pivotal role in ensuring reliable surveillance, precise intelligence gathering, and enhanced border security, he noted.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The contract also highlights the rapid growth of India's drone industry, which has seen a surge in startups.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The number of drone companies in India has doubled to 398 in the past three years, surpassing Chinas 298. Government initiatives such as the Drone Shakti scheme have played a key role in this expansion.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">IG Drones reaffirmed its commitment to national security by ensuring that its drones exclude Chinese components.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The company stated that this strategic partnership marks a new chapter in Indias defence modernisation, reinforcing the crucial role of indigenous technology in safeguarding the nation.</span></p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size:14px">(KNN Bureau)</span></em></strong></p> 40837 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/ig-drones-to-supply-advanced-drone-systems-to-indian-army-under-make-in-india-initiative 2025-01-29 17:03:22 knnindia.co.in