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New Indian Express
17-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Desi drones cleared pilot test under Operation Sindoor
India's stunning strikes at nine terror bases in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) and inside Pakistan's Punjab on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack had two firsts. One, precision strikes on the other side of the international border (IB) between India and Pakistan since the 1971 war; and two, use of loitering munitions or 'kamikaze' drones to destroy the terror infrastructure of the enemy under Operation Sindoor. The message was loud and clear: no part of the neighbouring country was safe for terrorists henceforth. At the same time, India asserted that the strikes were de-escalatory as precision munitions avoided collateral damage as also Pakistan's military installations. For precision strikes, the choice of kamikaze drones, that are capable of surveillance and lethal penetration inside enemy territory to seek targets, was tactical and extremely effective in what emerged as the grey zone warfare and the longest air combat in recent history. On May 8, in a joint press conference by the Ministry of External Affairs, Col Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh showed pictures of the extensively damaged terror sites. Kamikaze drones and missiles carried out the targeted attacks at nine locations in less than 25 minutes beginning 1.05 am on May 7, killing 100 terrorists, the government stated. Operation Sindoor avenged the killing of 26 people, most of them tourists on the basis of religion, at Baisaran in Pahalgam on April 22 by heavily armed terrorists from across the border. Along with the use of Scalp cruise missiles and HAMMER bombs, the Indian Army deployed indigenously-built SkyStriker suicide drones for precision strikes. The SkyStriker has been developed by Bengaluru-based Alpha Design (ADTL) in collaboration with Israel's Elbit Systems. They are rapidly deployable, have minimal thermal and acoustic signatures, require low maintenance, are mobile and can be operated by just one personnel. In their operational debut, the loitering munitions spelt havoc on their targets and gave India the much-required military heft and psychological edge.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
How private firms are arming our forces
has spotlighted India's evolving military capabilities, revealing the emergence of a robust private defence sector central to the nation's security. A decade ago, public sector undertakings and imported technology dominated India's defence narrative. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Today, the private sector drives innovation, not merely filling gaps. Companies such as Tata Advanced Systems (TAS), Alpha Design Technologies (ADTL), Paras Defence & Space Technologies, ideaForge, and IG Drones have transitioned from being niche players to critical partners in delivering cutting-edge systems for modern warfare. List of drones and other details Pvt push to defence TAS, with its legacy in aerospace and defence integration, offers comprehensive solutions, including radars, missiles and UAV systems, for Indian military. In collaboration with Airbus Spain, it produces the C-295 military transport aircraft at India's first private military aircraft plant in Vadodara, Gujarat. Paras Defence — recognised for its credentials in indigenous design, development and manufacturing — sets benchmarks in electronic warfare, optics and drones. Similarly, Alpha Design provides a range of systems from radars to tank components and satellite payloads. Other conglomerates like Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Adani Group, and Bharat Forge have significantly expanded their defence portfolios. L&T secured contracts worth Rs 13,369 crore for high-powered radar systems and close-in weapons systems. Adani Defence & Aerospace inaugurated two ammunition and missile-manufacturing facilities in the UP defence corridor, aiming to produce 150 million rounds of small-calibre ammunition annually and meeting 25% of India's requirement. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It's a d(r)one thing The private sector's impact is most visible in drone technology. India's military drone journey began in the 1990s with Israeli UAVs such as the IAI Searcher and Heron. Recognising their strategic value, India started to build its own capabilities. The Kargil War in 1999 highlighted the need for real-time intelligence, prompting DRDO and private firms to accelerate UAV development. Cut to May 2025 and the Indian armed forces now operate a growing fleet of UAVs, with many more in development. Operation Sindoor underscored the central role of indigenous drones, driven by private firms, in India's military doctrine covering tactical and high-altitude intel and reconnaissance platforms. ideaForge's SWITCH UAV and NETRA V2 quadcopter, co-developed with DRDO, has entered service. Alpha Design's partnership with Israel's Elbit Systems produced advanced systems like the SkyStriker loitering munition, enabling precision strikes during Operation Sindoor. Solar Industries' Nagastra-1 bolstered India's tactical strike options, while NewSpace Research & Technologies delivered drone-swarm capabilities to IAF. In the pipeline The development pipeline includes logistics-focused platforms such as Garuda Aerospace's Jatayu, a heavy-lift drone, and SkyPod for high-altitude resupply in terrains like Siachen. Tactical drones, such as Throttle Aerospace's Raven and AI-driven swarm control systems from NewSpace and 114AI demonstrate how Indian startups are shaping defence trends. The Drone Federation of India, representing over 550 companies and 5,500 pilots, has built this ecosystem. It aims to have India as a global drone hub by 2030. IG Drones underlines how the new wave of defence tech firms are specialising in R&D, manufacturing and services. Its collaborations with the Army and other govt bodies integrate private expertise into defence planning and execution. India's defence exports reached nearly Rs 24,000 crore ($2.9 billion) in FY25, with private firms playing a central role. Govt's target of Rs 50,000 crore in exports by 2029 depends on sustained private sector growth. The Indian drone market alone is projected to reach $11 billion by 2030, accounting for over 12% of the global share, signalling opportunities for private firms and strengthening national security. Earlier this month, defence stocks, both public and private, rallied by up to 4% after PM , referencing Operation Sindoor, called for greater military self-reliance. 'We have proven our dominance in new-age warfare,' he stated. 'We must lead in defence innovation through indigenous technology.' Operation Sindoor's success resulted from policy changes supporting private defence manufacturing. Since 2021, the ban on imported drones and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, with a Rs 120-crore outlay, turbocharged local innovation. Indigenous defence production reached Rs 1.3 lakh crore in FY24, with a rising share going to private players. Programmes like iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) and SRIJAN (for import substitution) opened doors for both startups and established firms. Beyond Operation Sindoor The private sector's role continues to evolve, with the future focusing on autonomous, AI-driven systems where private companies excel in talent and agility. Operation Sindoor demonstrated that the fusion of private innovation, public sector support, and military vision enables India to assert itself as a high-tech military power. Space-based capabilities will be a key component of this future. Although India lags the US and China in military satellites, it is moving ahead with firms like Digantara (space situational awareness), Pixxel (Earth observation), Dhruva Space (satellites and ground systems), and Ananth Technologies developing key capabilities. Earlier this year, three private firms based in South India were picked to co-develop 31 satellites under the Space-Based Surveillance-3 (SBS-3) programme, marking the first time private players are building satellites for strategic use. This third phase of the programme, building on previous Cartosat and Risat launches, will enhance India's space surveillance capacity with 52 satellites in GEO (geostationary) and LEO (low Earth orbit). Isro will develop 21, while the private sector will deliver 31.
India Today
15-05-2025
- Business
- India Today
Pulwama terror hunt: Exclusive video shows terrorist's last call before encounter
9:10 The Sky Striker, a loitering munition drone developed by a Bangalore-based company in partnership with Elbit and Alpha Design, has gained global attention.
News18
15-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Made In Bengaluru, Rained Fire In Pakistan: Sneak Peek Into India's Sky Striker Drone
Last Updated: The 'silent killer', as it's popularly called, is an armed UAV that is battery operated, virtually soundless, boasts an endurance of 1-3 hours and can carry a payload of 5-10 kgs A silent revolution in warfare unfolded during Operation Sindoor, with a Bengaluru-born drone playing a pivotal role in dismantling terror infrastructure across the border. The 'Sky Striker', a lethal loitering munition manufactured by Alpha Design Technologies in collaboration with Israel's Elbit Security Systems, was deployed for the first time, showcasing India's growing prowess in technology-driven warfare. Tucked away in Bengaluru's Peenya Industrial Area, Alpha Design's facility has been quietly contributing to India's defence capabilities. The Sky Striker, already battle-tested in conflicts like the Israel-Palestine clashes and the Armenia-Azerbaijan skirmishes, was finally unleashed by the Indian armed forces, who had placed an order for 100 units back in 2021 following the Balakot strike. The 'silent killer", as it's popularly called, is an armed UAV that is battery operated and virtually soundless. It boasts an endurance of 1-3 hours and can carry a payload of 5-10 kgs, operating within a range of 80-100 km. 'Once launched, it has an electro-optic payload. So, it takes the input of the target and relates to the ground control system. The target location can be pinpointed and the attack launched," explained Chief Operating Officer Raghavendra Aroor. He added that the drone can also strike pre-fed GPS coordinates and remarkably, can be retrieved and reused, thanks to a parachute and airbag system. Highlighting its precision, Alpha Design CEO Hari Prasad stated, 'Its accuracy is one of the very good strong points. We are talking about a one-metre accuracy, high precision drone… It's a very, very powerful system with roughly about 5-10 kgs payload." Evading Radar: The Silent Threat The Sky Striker's effectiveness is amplified by its ability to evade radar detection. 'Firstly, the radar cross-section of this particular system is very, very minimal," revealed Aroor, showcasing a 1:1 scale model. He further elaborated that its low-level flight and battery operation contribute to its near invisibility on radar. 'If it is operated at night, the moment it picks up the target, it dives at such a fast rate that nobody can track it. So, that's why its success rate is almost 100 per cent." Lethal Precision Hari Prasad emphasised the drone's deadly dive capabilities. 'As it gets close to the target, it can have a very steep dive angle and the terminal velocity is very, very high. So, that makes even interception very difficult." Operation Sindoor underscored the effectiveness of indigenous defence technology, including the Sky Striker, Akash Teer, and Brahmos missiles. 'It has been produced in India for about three plus years now… and we have the full technology to produce a complete product in India," Prasad affirmed, highlighting their manufacturing hubs in Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Strong Growth for Alpha Design Alpha Design Technologies, a key collaborator with the Indian armed forces, is witnessing significant growth. CFO Ramesh M said the company is projected to close FY 24-25 with a revenue of approximately Rs 1050 crore and a strong order book of Rs 8,000-Rs 10,000 crore, with expectations of adding another Rs 10,000 crore in the next fiscal year. The company boasts over 1,100 employees across various locations in India. The successful deployment of the Sky Striker underscores the growing strength of India's defence manufacturing ecosystem, fueled by the 'Make in India' initiative. From initial roles as offset partners, Indian companies are now independently designing, developing, and manufacturing sophisticated defence equipment, paving the way for a self-reliant future in the sector. First Published: May 15, 2025, 14:15 IST
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First Post
14-05-2025
- Business
- First Post
How Operation Sindoor showcased India's defence manufacturing to the world
Operation Sindoor has given an alpha opportunity to Indian defence manufacturing. Indian defence attachés must now capitalise on its success to boost exports, particularly to clients like Armenia and the Philippines read more The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, an Indo-Russian joint venture launched from land and air, obliterated terrorist infrastructure during Op Sindoor, leaving adversaries little time to react. Image: Wikimedia Commons A major takeaway from Operation Sindoor was its showcasing of India's burgeoning indigenous defence capabilities under the 'Make in India' initiative. From drones to missiles and air defence systems, homegrown technologies worked while China's weapons failed the test. This is an alpha opportunity for Indian defence manufacturing. India exported a record Rs 23,000 crore worth of weapons in 2024; that record will be shattered this year. The Drones Take Flight India's domestically produced drones were instrumental in Operation Sindoor, blending surveillance with lethal precision. Models like the Nagastra-1 and SkyStriker are the examples, the latter, a product of collaboration between Bengaluru-based Alpha Design and Israel's Elbit Security Systems, reportedly stood out. New war is death by loiter, and India has the manufacturing base to make them in large numbers. With combat success, it's when, not if, that India will innovate with swarm drones and next-generation loitering ammunition. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD BrahMos Packs a Punch The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, an Indo-Russian joint venture launched from land and air, obliterated terrorist infrastructure, leaving adversaries little time to react. Its supersonic versatility across platforms reinforces India's offensive reach. Beyond the battlefield, Op Sindoor turned the missile into a billboard for India's defence export ambitions. Akash Shields the Skies India proved one capability beyond doubt: that it can rope a dope. With the Russian S400 as the blocking defence, the indigenous Akash SAM was the ace parrying. India disabled a ballistic missile, stopped unguided rockets, downed fighter jets, and targeted multiple UAVs and loitering ammunition, all in the same theatre. Its multi-target engagement capability proved its worth in a layered defence grid. Battle-tested in Sindoor, the system's appeal has surged among existing and potential like Armenia, with potential interest from Brazil, Vietnam and Africa. Munitions: The Backbone of Resilience India's munition production capabilities emerged as a quiet powerhouse during Operation Sindoor. The ability to churn out everything from artillery shells to advanced missiles—such as the Pinaka rocket launcher, capable of firing 72 rockets in 44 seconds—ensured uninterrupted supply lines. Put differently, industrial depth positions India as a reliable player in the global arms market, where sustained supply is as critical as firepower. Already India is emerging as one of the fastest exporters of different calibres of munitions, including the US as a client. What India needs is focus on a few over-fragmentation. Yet, India must refine its strategy by prioritising a select few defence systems rather than scattering resources across numerous projects. The BrahMos and Akash successes highlight the value of focused investment—deep expertise, faster development, and economies of scale. A shortlist of high-impact systems, like next-generation drones or hypersonic missiles, could elevate India's military edge and export potential. Incentives are needed upfront, and on a scale, cheaper loans and tax breaks for R&D must be done urgently. Bigger domestic orders and further streamlined procurement will give critical mass. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Attachés as Ambassadors Indian defence attachés must now capitalise on Op Sindoor's success to boost exports, particularly to clients like Armenia and the Philippines. Armenia, already using Akash and Pinaka systems, could expand its orders, while the Philippines might deepen its BrahMos commitment. Attachés should pitch comprehensive packages—hardware, training, and maintenance—to appeal to cost-conscious buyers. War Reserves Advantage Domestic capacity also grants India a critical edge in war wastage reserves. Unlike import-reliant nations, India's ability to stockpile weapons increases by a massive margin, allowing it to fight better and longer. India must allocate at least 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence; this is no longer optional—it's imperative. This isn't a zero-sum choice between guns and butter; a strong military underpins economic stability. As Op Sindoor proved, 'Make in India' delivers both security and prosperity, but only sustained investment can secure this dual dividend in an increasingly unstable world. The writer is a senior journalist with expertise in defence. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
