In a significant step toward bolstering India’s indigenous defence technology, Mumbai-based ideaForge Technology has secured a ₹137 crore emergency procurement order from the Indian Army for its hybrid fixed-wing VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) mini UAVs.
The drones are specifically designed to support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism (CI/CT) operations. According to the company, the UAVs met stringent operational benchmarks and adhered to security protocols that required critical components to be sourced exclusively from countries that do not share a border with India.
The selection process was highly competitive, involving rigorous field trials, evaluations by two technical committees, and extensive physical and digital disassembly of the platforms to verify component integrity. The UAVs are certified by the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA) and have already proven their effectiveness in real-world deployments such as Operation Sindoor.
Commenting on the milestone, Ankit Mehta, CEO of ideaForge, said:
“It is a matter of pride that our platforms are not just made in India, but are also built to serve and protect India under the most demanding conditions, backed by a resilient and trusted supply chain.”
ideaForge’s UAVs are largely indigenous, aligning with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Beyond military applications, the company is expanding into other sectors through DGCA-certified drone pilot training, partnerships with global players like Vantage Robotics and Resonia, and diversified use cases including disaster response and wildlife rescue.
The Indian Army’s procurement underscores the growing confidence in domestically developed defence technologies and represents a broader shift toward homegrown innovation in critical security infrastructure.
