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Time of India
11-06-2025
- Time of India
India's new warfare: Drones, data, and the defence race that can't wait
Warfare isn't what it used to be. The enemy might not come with boots and rifles, but with buzzing drone swarms, silent cyberattacks, and AI algorithms calculating their every move. For India, this future is already here. The recent exchange of drone fire between India and Pakistan in May 2025—the most serious clash in decades—marked the beginning of a new era. Both sides unleashed loitering munitions and kamikaze drones . For the first time in South Asia, unmanned aerial vehicles ( UAVs ) became one of the central instruments of conflict. It was a live demonstration of what future conflict looks like. Thousands of UAVs filled the skies. Some watched. Some struck. Others confused enemy sensors or jammed communications. It was the subcontinent's first true drone war—and perhaps the start of a new era. Swarms over Sindoor: When the future arrived early India's 'Operation Sindoor' launched with precision missile strikes on nine terror camps across the Line of Control . But it was the drones that stole the headlines. Loitering munitions like the IAI Harop and kamikaze UAVs from Indian and Israeli origin swarmed across targets. In response, Pakistan retaliated with Turkish Bayraktar TB2s and Chinese Wing Loong IIs. Each side deployed over 1,000 drones. Not just to attack, but to observe, disrupt, and deceive. 'This marks a significant shift in the character of South Asian warfare,' said Rabia Akhtar, visiting fellow at Harvard's Belfer Center in a report by Foreign Policy. 'Drones weren't just tools of surveillance. They were instruments of strategic messaging—fast, low-risk, and deadly.' Live Events For the Indian Army , the learning curve was sharp. 'Managing the airspace with so many flying objects, jammers on both sides, and other users of airspace will be a huge challenge,' admitted a senior officer in a Deccan Herald report. More than eyes in the sky 'Drones now are not just about surveillance,' said Agnishwar Jayaprakash, founder of Garuda Aerospace . 'They need to carry payloads, drop bombs, and execute kamikaze missions. That requires integration between drone intelligence and explosive intelligence.' Garuda is among a growing list of Indian companies stepping up. The firm, which aims to reach 75% indigenous content in its drones within three years, collaborates with HAL and BEML. They're building UAVs that don't just watch—they think, strike, and survive. Another major player, ideaForge, underlined what's really needed now: consistency. 'Operation Sindoor has rightly placed India's defence-tech startups in the spotlight,' said Ankit Mehta, CEO of ideaForge. 'However, what the sector urgently needs is a clear and consistent procurement pipeline from the government.' He told ET, 'Defence innovation cannot succeed in isolation. It requires clear public-private collaboration and transparency in buying cycles. Above all, the sector's key expectation is consistent demand, ensuring the capabilities we develop are fully utilised when national security needs them most.' Brains behind the bots: AI and autonomy It's not just about flying machines—it's about smart ones. Garuda's systems now use AI and machine learning (ML) for everything from autonomous flight to target recognition and predictive fleet analytics. 'AI and ML are at the core of our drone technology,' the company states, noting over 10 lakh flight hours across its fleets. Yet, the challenges are real. A senior defence company senior official warned: 'Nobody is going to give us the latest AI or drone technology. We have to develop it ourselves, customised to our terrain, our needs, and our systems.' India's strategy runs on two AI tracks—civilian and defence. But while the software side has matured, the hardware story is bleak. 'We're still dependent on imports for edge-AI processors and high-performance computing chips,' the expert added. Without homegrown AI hardware, software superiority won't be enough. The invisible war: Cyber and electronic frontlines Cyber-electronic warfare doesn't make headlines—but it can end wars before they begin. From GPS spoofing to malware that freezes command centres, the dangers are growing. 'A cyberattack is like putting a pin in your brain,' the defence company senior official said. 'Your body—your assets—remain intact, but you're paralysed.' India's communication systems, increasingly digitised and centralised, make this a critical vulnerability. The consensus is clear: India needs a dedicated Cyber Command , built like those of the US or Israel. One that can detect, defend, and—when needed—disrupt. Not just Make in India, but Create in India. India's defence posture is shifting from manpower-heavy to tech-intensive. But this transition can't succeed with assembly lines alone. It requires invention. 'Make in India is not enough,' the defence company senior official said. 'We need to 'Create in India'. Designing, developing, and producing end-to-end solutions domestically is the only way forward.' This means accepting risk. Tolerating failure. Funding early-stage ideas without expecting instant ROI. India's defence R&D ecosystem—from DRDO and CDAC to private firms and academia—must align under one goal: self-reliant innovation. Cost, capability and the counter-drone race India isn't just building drones—it's building ways to stop them. During Operation Sindoor , Bharat Electronics Limited's revamped L-70 anti-air guns played a starring role. So did electromagnetic jammers and homegrown detection systems. "You can't shoot down a ₹20 lakh drone with a ₹5 crore missile,' the expert said. 'That's not sustainable.' DRDO has licensed six Indian companies to mass-produce counter-drone systems. And it's not stopping at the skies. Underwater unmanned vehicles (UUVs) are next, along with radars that can detect swarm attacks without triggering friendly fire. Upward trajectory: The Space race By the time a hypersonic missile is detected, it might already be too late. That's why India is looking skyward. Space-based early warning systems—constellations of satellites using synthetic aperture radar (SAR)—will become the new first responders. A recent ISRO launch failed to deploy one such payload. Still, optimism persists. 'The setbacks are technical, not strategic,' the official said. 'We will overcome them.' In fact, Garuda Aerospace sees crossover potential, 'Our strong R&D in drone autonomy can also feed into future space-based autonomous systems.' Collaboration: The four pillars The senior defence company senior official envisions a four-pillar model: Academia, Startups, R&D Institutions, and Industry. Together, they must build both the ideas and the tools India needs. But many startups face a familiar frustration. 'You involve us in development, we invest time and money thinking production will follow—and then nothing comes,' the expert noted. 'That's demoralising.' Consistency and continuity in defence orders could change that. Export or perish India's defence budget is vast—yet most of it funds salaries and pensions. Little goes toward future tech. 'If the government can't buy everything, it must help us sell,' the expert argued. Countries like Armenia and Morocco have already begun ordering Indian systems. But exports require more than product—they need deals, diplomacy, and government-backed financing. 'Look at South Korea,' he said. 'They started with nothing and are now exporting advanced systems. We must do the same.' The war before the war Drones, cyber tools, and AI aren't just weapons. They're deterrents. And diplomats. Used well, they allow targeted responses without escalation. Used poorly, they could provoke catastrophe—especially in a nuclear-armed neighbourhood. As drone warfare expert James Patton Rogers noted, Drones allow militaries 'to limit strikes to military targets, test defences, and provide a lower escalation response.' But that flexibility comes with temptation. If war is easier to start, will it be harder to stop? India's answer must be bold, strategic—and unshakably local. The new war has already begun. And this time, it won't wait.
Economic Times
11-06-2025
- Economic Times
India's new warfare: Drones, data, and the defence race that can't wait
TIL Creatives Representative AI Image Warfare isn't what it used to be. The enemy might not come with boots and rifles, but with buzzing drone swarms, silent cyberattacks, and AI algorithms calculating their every move. For India, this future is already here. The recent exchange of drone fire between India and Pakistan in May 2025—the most serious clash in decades—marked the beginning of a new era. Both sides unleashed loitering munitions and kamikaze drones. For the first time in South Asia, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) became one of the central instruments of conflict. It was a live demonstration of what future conflict looks of UAVs filled the skies. Some watched. Some struck. Others confused enemy sensors or jammed communications. It was the subcontinent's first true drone war—and perhaps the start of a new era. India's 'Operation Sindoor' launched with precision missile strikes on nine terror camps across the Line of Control. But it was the drones that stole the headlines. Loitering munitions like the IAI Harop and kamikaze UAVs from Indian and Israeli origin swarmed across targets. In response, Pakistan retaliated with Turkish Bayraktar TB2s and Chinese Wing Loong side deployed over 1,000 drones. Not just to attack, but to observe, disrupt, and deceive.'This marks a significant shift in the character of South Asian warfare,' said Rabia Akhtar, visiting fellow at Harvard's Belfer Center in a report by Foreign Policy. 'Drones weren't just tools of surveillance. They were instruments of strategic messaging—fast, low-risk, and deadly.' For the Indian Army, the learning curve was sharp.'Managing the airspace with so many flying objects, jammers on both sides, and other users of airspace will be a huge challenge,' admitted a senior officer in a Deccan Herald report.'Drones now are not just about surveillance,' said Agnishwar Jayaprakash, founder of Garuda Aerospace. 'They need to carry payloads, drop bombs, and execute kamikaze missions. That requires integration between drone intelligence and explosive intelligence.'Garuda is among a growing list of Indian companies stepping up. The firm, which aims to reach 75% indigenous content in its drones within three years, collaborates with HAL and BEML. They're building UAVs that don't just watch—they think, strike, and major player, ideaForge, underlined what's really needed now: consistency.'Operation Sindoor has rightly placed India's defence-tech startups in the spotlight,' said Ankit Mehta, CEO of ideaForge. 'However, what the sector urgently needs is a clear and consistent procurement pipeline from the government.'He told ET, 'Defence innovation cannot succeed in isolation. It requires clear public-private collaboration and transparency in buying cycles. Above all, the sector's key expectation is consistent demand, ensuring the capabilities we develop are fully utilised when national security needs them most.'It's not just about flying machines—it's about smart systems now use AI and machine learning (ML) for everything from autonomous flight to target recognition and predictive fleet analytics. 'AI and ML are at the core of our drone technology,' the company states, noting over 10 lakh flight hours across its the challenges are real. A senior defence company senior official warned: 'Nobody is going to give us the latest AI or drone technology. We have to develop it ourselves, customised to our terrain, our needs, and our systems.'India's strategy runs on two AI tracks—civilian and defence. But while the software side has matured, the hardware story is bleak.'We're still dependent on imports for edge-AI processors and high-performance computing chips,' the expert added. Without homegrown AI hardware, software superiority won't be warfare doesn't make headlines—but it can end wars before they begin. From GPS spoofing to malware that freezes command centres, the dangers are growing.'A cyberattack is like putting a pin in your brain,' the defence company senior official said. 'Your body—your assets—remain intact, but you're paralysed.' India's communication systems, increasingly digitised and centralised, make this a critical vulnerability. The consensus is clear: India needs a dedicated Cyber Command, built like those of the US or Israel. One that can detect, defend, and—when needed—disrupt. India's defence posture is shifting from manpower-heavy to tech-intensive. But this transition can't succeed with assembly lines alone. It requires invention.'Make in India is not enough,' the defence company senior official said. 'We need to 'Create in India'. Designing, developing, and producing end-to-end solutions domestically is the only way forward.'This means accepting risk. Tolerating failure. Funding early-stage ideas without expecting instant ROI. India's defence R&D ecosystem—from DRDO and CDAC to private firms and academia—must align under one goal: self-reliant isn't just building drones—it's building ways to stop them. During Operation Sindoor, Bharat Electronics Limited's revamped L-70 anti-air guns played a starring role. So did electromagnetic jammers and homegrown detection systems."You can't shoot down a ₹20 lakh drone with a ₹5 crore missile,' the expert said. 'That's not sustainable.'DRDO has licensed six Indian companies to mass-produce counter-drone systems. And it's not stopping at the skies. Underwater unmanned vehicles (UUVs) are next, along with radars that can detect swarm attacks without triggering friendly the time a hypersonic missile is detected, it might already be too late. That's why India is looking early warning systems—constellations of satellites using synthetic aperture radar (SAR)—will become the new first responders. A recent ISRO launch failed to deploy one such payload. Still, optimism persists.'The setbacks are technical, not strategic,' the official said. 'We will overcome them.'In fact, Garuda Aerospace sees crossover potential, 'Our strong R&D in drone autonomy can also feed into future space-based autonomous systems.'The senior defence company senior official envisions a four-pillar model: Academia, Startups, R&D Institutions, and Industry. Together, they must build both the ideas and the tools India many startups face a familiar frustration. 'You involve us in development, we invest time and money thinking production will follow—and then nothing comes,' the expert noted. 'That's demoralising.'Consistency and continuity in defence orders could change defence budget is vast—yet most of it funds salaries and pensions. Little goes toward future tech.'If the government can't buy everything, it must help us sell,' the expert like Armenia and Morocco have already begun ordering Indian systems. But exports require more than product—they need deals, diplomacy, and government-backed financing. 'Look at South Korea,' he said. 'They started with nothing and are now exporting advanced systems. We must do the same.'Drones, cyber tools, and AI aren't just weapons. They're deterrents. And diplomats. Used well, they allow targeted responses without escalation. Used poorly, they could provoke catastrophe—especially in a nuclear-armed drone warfare expert James Patton Rogers noted, Drones allow militaries 'to limit strikes to military targets, test defences, and provide a lower escalation response.'But that flexibility comes with temptation. If war is easier to start, will it be harder to stop?India's answer must be bold, strategic—and unshakably local. The new war has already begun. And this time, it won't wait.
Khaleej Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
India's defence startups show strong promise in homegrown tech
During India's recent Operation Sindoor, few realised that some of the high-tech equipment they used came from homegrown startups. From Bharat Dynamics' missile systems to Solar Industries' loitering munitions and Paras Defence's electronics and drone components, Indian-built platforms played a decisive role. ideaForge's SWITCH UAV and NETRA V2, already in use by the armed forces, were joined by Alpha Design's SkyStriker and NewSpace Research's drone swarms showcasing India's growing capability in next-gen warfare. It was a turning point in India's defence story: a bold declaration that the future of warfare in India is being engineered in labs within the country. A wave of ambitious startups, powered by government-backed initiatives and innovation incentives, is clearly redefining India's defence ecosystem. From drones and AI-powered surveillance to lightweight ballistic gear, these companies are helping India reduce its import dependence, and in some cases, outpacing traditional suppliers in speed, cost, and customisation. These startups are not just plugging critical defence gaps; they're redefining the very concept of strategic preparedness. Once seen as supporting players, companies like Tata Advanced Systems (TAS), Paras Defence & Space Technologies, and IG Drones, among others, are now at the forefront of India's military modernization. TAS, for instance, is partnering with Airbus to manufacture the C-295 military transport aircraft at India's first private aircraft plant in Vadodara. Beyond frontline deployments, the Drone Federation of India with over 550 companies and 5,500 pilots, is steering India toward its goal of becoming a global drone hub by 2030. IG Drones provides R&D, manufacturing, and field services to both the military and government agencies, exemplifying how private players are powering this transformation. The government's proactive policies have been instrumental in nurturing this ecosystem. The Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative, launched in 2018, aims to foster innovation by providing financial support to startups and MSMEs. As of February 2025, the Ministry of Defence has cleared procurement of 43 items worth over Rs2.4 billion from iDEX-supported entities, reflecting a significant commitment to indigenous solutions. Over 1,000 defence tech startups have sprouted across the country, propelled by government initiatives like iDEX and strategic partnerships with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). These startups are at the forefront of developing cutting-edge technologies, ranging from autonomous drones to advanced missile systems. Furthermore, the Defence India Start-up Challenges (DISC) under iDEX have presented numerous opportunities for startups to address specific defence needs. The 13th edition, launched in October 2024, featured seven challenges from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, encouraging startups to develop innovative solutions. India's defence exports have witnessed a meteoric rise, too, reaching an all-time high of Rs236.22 billion in FY 2024-25, a 34-fold increase over the past decade. This surge is indicative of the global recognition of India's defence capabilities and the quality of its indigenous technologies. States like Uttar Pradesh are becoming pivotal in this growth story. The Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor has attracted investments worth Rs284.75 billion, with significant developments like the inauguration of a BrahMos missile manufacturing unit in Lucknow. India's defence startup ecosystem symbolizes the nation's resolve to achieve strategic autonomy and technological self-reliance. With continued policy support, investment, and a focus on innovation, these startups are poised to not only bolster national security but also establish India as a global hub for defence technology.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ideaForge Demonstrates UAV Prowess at U.S. Government-Backed Michigan's Uncrewed Triple Challenge
SAN ANTONIO, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ideaForge Technology Limited, a global leader in drone technology, is proud to be recognised by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), a U.S. government body, to exhibit at the prestigious Uncrewed Triple Challenge (UTC) in Michigan, USA. As part of this recognition, ideaForge was awarded a $10,000 grant to support its participation at the event. The UTC is a first-of-its-kind, state-sponsored event that brings together uncrewed systems across sea, air, and land. Organized in collaboration with the Michigan National Guard, Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Department of Transportation, and the MEDC, the UTC aims to drive innovation in autonomous drone technologies by showcasing next-generation capabilities to a diverse audience of military, state, and local agencies. While ideaForge did not compete in the challenge, its invitation to exhibit underscores the trust and credibility placed in its technology by a prominent U.S. state institution. It also highlights the growing global recognition of India's indigenous UAV capabilities. At UTC, ideaForge showcased its flagship UAV solutions, the SWITCH and NETRA V4 PRO—demonstrating their advanced ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) features, operational endurance, and reliability across demanding mission profiles. These systems are designed for critical applications in defense, homeland security, and emergency response. Ankit Mehta, CEO of ideaForge Technology Limited, said, "We are honoured to receive this grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and to be invited to exhibit at the Uncrewed Triple Challenge. This recognition by a U.S. government body is a strong testament to the credibility, capability, and global relevance of our UAV platforms. We look forward to engaging with stakeholders from across defense and public sectors to demonstrate how ideaForge delivers autonomy and performance for mission-critical operations." Justine Johnson, Chief Mobility Officer, Michigan Economic Development Corporation added, "We are pleased to welcome ideaForge to the Uncrewed Triple Challenge. Their participation represents the spirit of innovation that this event aims to celebrate. ideaForge's UAV platforms will contribute valuable perspectives to our stakeholders and support broader dialogue around the adoption of advanced autonomous systems." ideaForge's presence at the UTC reinforces its expanding international footprint and commitment to delivering indigenous, high-performance drone solutions for defense and enterprise needs. The company continues to strengthen its position as a pioneer in drone innovation, with a focus on mission-critical applications that include defense, security, and enterprise use cases. As part of its growing U.S. presence, ideaForge has also previously announced a strategic collaboration with Skylark Labs and partnership and investment with Vantage Robotics further reinforcing its role in advancing drone technology through collaboration and cross-border innovation. About ideaForge Technology Limited ideaForge is a pioneer and the pre-eminent market leader in the Indian unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry. With a mission-first approach, we deliver cutting-edge drones engineered for unmatched performance, autonomy, and reliability, redefining possibilities in security, mapping, surveillance, and disaster response applications across militaries and enterprises. With India's largest operational deployment of indigenous UAVs, an ideaForge drone takes off every 3 minutes, enabling over 6,50,000 successful flights. Ranked 3rd globally among the world's Top Dual-Use Drone Manufacturers by Drone Industry Insights (DRONEII) Global Drone Review 2024, ideaForge continues to set benchmarks in innovation and excellence. Since pioneering India's first VTOL UAVs in 2009, we have expanded with advanced R&D and manufacturing hubs in Navi Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and the USA, driving the development of indigenously designed and built solutions. Backed by marquee investors, including Qualcomm, Infosys, Celesta Capital, Florintree, EXIM Bank, and Infina Finance, ideaForge is at the forefront of revolutionizing unmanned systems. Discover more: About Michigan Economic Development Corporation The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state's marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan's economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter. Logo: View original content: SOURCE ideaForge
News18
20-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Defence Stocks Extend Selloff Led By Shipyard Firms, Paras Defence Sinks 5% On Stake Sale
Last Updated: Defence-related stocks witnessed a significant decline on May 20, marking their second straight session of losses; What should investors do? Defence Stocks Decline: Defence-related stocks witnessed a significant decline on May 20, marking their second straight session of losses. The pullback came as investors booked profits after a sharp rally driven by optimism surrounding fresh defence orders and the success of Operation Sindoor. Shipyard and Defence Firm Stocks See Sharp Declines Shares of Cochin Shipyard, ideaForge Technology, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), and other defence-linked firms fell sharply on Tuesday. Cochin Shipyard dropped as much as 6.9% to Rs 1,847.60 on the BSE, while ideaForge lost 6.1% to Rs 536.25. GRSE declined 5.1% to Rs 2,356.05, and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders shed 3.1% to Rs 3,303.20. These losses came on the heels of a weak session on Monday, when stocks like Cochin Shipyard, Mazagon Dock, GRSE, and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) had already retreated up to 4%. Rally Loses Steam After Record Gains Last week's massive surge had been fuelled by investor enthusiasm for India's expanding defence production and export prospects. Between May 9 and 17, Cochin Shipyard and GRSE jumped 41% and 40% respectively, while ideaForge soared 56%. HAL also rose 16% over the same period. However, the current correction suggests that valuations may have run ahead of fundamentals, prompting traders to lock in gains. Paras Defence Slumps After Promoter Stake Sale Paras Defence & Space Technologies fell nearly 5% after its promoters offloaded a 3.3% stake in the company through bulk deals. This comes after the stock had rallied around 55% over the past month. As per NSE data, promoter Sharad Virji Shah sold 9 lakh shares at Rs 1,682.87 apiece. Anish Mehta and Kaajal Harsh Bhansali each sold 2.17 lakh shares at Rs 1,664.62 and Rs 1,662.62, respectively. In total, the promoters sold 13.34 lakh shares. Promoters held a 57.05% stake in the company as of March 2025, with the remaining 42.95% owned by public shareholders. Operation Sindoor Sparked the Surge The recent rally had been driven by the Indian military's showcase of domestic missile and drone technology under 'Operation Sindoor." Between May 9 and 17, the sector added around ₹1.8 lakh crore in market capitalisation, on hopes of large upcoming defence contracts. Antique Stock Broking said it expects significant orders in FY26–27, including six submarines under Project 75(I), three Kalvari-class submarines, P-17B frigates, next-gen corvettes, and smaller naval vessels. Caution on Valuations, But Long-Term Outlook Positive Despite the near-term volatility, analysts remain optimistic about the long-term prospects of the defence sector. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services, cautioned investors about rich valuations, stating, 'Even though the sector has strong medium-to-long-term potential, some profit booking is justified given the recent surge." Antique Stock Broking projects that the combined order books of Cochin Shipyard, GRSE, and Mazagon Dock could more than triple by FY27. The brokerage maintains a 'buy' rating on GRSE and Mazagon Dock, while assigning a 'hold' rating to Cochin Shipyard due to uncertainty around the timeline and scale of the proposed Indigenous Aircraft Carrier II (IAC-II) project. Disclaimer:Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. First Published: May 20, 2025, 12:19 IST
