AUTONOMOUS DEFENCE SOLUTIONS
ET Startup Awards 2025 | Top Innovator: Qure.ai bridges diagnostic gap
Founded in Mumbai in 2016 by Prashant Warier, Qure.ai’s mission is to make healthcare more affordable and accessible through AI-powered diagnostic tools. Its products assist clinicians in detecting conditions such as tuberculosis, lung cancer, and pulmonary disorders, speeding up diagnoses, and enabling more efficient treatment plans, particularly in resource-constrained settings.
Brightcom launches defence division to develop autonomous defence solutions
Brightcom Group has announced the launch of 'Brightcom Defence,' a new division dedicated to developing next-generation aerospace intelligence and autonomous aerial defense software. Approved by the company's Board, this strategic move aims to capitalize on the rapidly growing markets for advanced defense solutions. Brightcom Defence will focus on AI-powered UAV systems, mission simulation, cybersecurity, and real-time threat detection.
Crucial for Indian Army to swiftly adapt, innovate: Lt Gen Manjinder Singh in Jaipur
Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh emphasized the Indian Army's need to adapt to modern warfare challenges at a Jaipur seminar. He highlighted the importance of AI, advanced systems, and ISR capabilities, citing Operation Sindoor's success. A MoU with MNIT Jaipur aims to boost indigenous defense technology, focusing on integrating cutting-edge solutions and ethical AI development for future military operations.
A windfall is coming for India's surging defence exports
India's defence exports are set for a major boost. NATO's plan to increase defence spending creates a big opportunity. Indian companies like Reliance Defence are already securing deals with European firms. This surge is driven by India's growing manufacturing capabilities and strategic partnerships. The government aims for Rupees 50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.
Nagastra-1R suicide drone: Check the features of this Made-in-India drone
The Indian Army is enhancing its precision strike capabilities by ordering 450 Nagastra-1R loitering munitions from Solar Industries. These indigenous 'suicide drones' feature GPS-enabled accuracy, high-altitude operation, and day-night surveillance. Designed for precision strikes on enemy targets, they offer a cost-effective solution with a recovery mechanism for reuse, boosting self-reliance under the 'Make in India' initiative.
Meet FWD-LM01, the Indian drone that flies 100km, finds targets, and hits on its own
Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace unveiled India’s first 100km-range export-ready loitering munition, the FWD-LM01, at the 2025 Paris Air Show. Entirely designed and built in Bengaluru, this portable strike drone carries a 2kg warhead, features autonomous targeting, and can be deployed in under five minutes. With high-altitude trials completed and global tests ahead, the system marks India’s bold entry into extended-range munitions. FWDA aims to make India a global hub for AI-enabled combat systems and unmanned strike aircraft.
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(AI)ding the frontline
As AI becomes a crucial cog in modern warfare, India has made a quick pivot in defence tech and created indigenous drone capabilities. A case in point is Operation Sindoor. Puran Choudhary writes how it was done, with a little help from Centre.
Anduril says AI startup sees good 'vibes' from new Trump Pentagon
Anduril President Christian Brose praised the Trump administration's willingness to shake up defence and support new approaches, particularly in autonomous systems. Anduril is collaborating with OpenAI on AI solutions for national security, with plans for global expansion, while focusing on cost-effective, scalable autonomous defence technologies.
IIT Guwahati-incubated start up develops robots for AI-driven surveillance at international borders
The robots developed by Da Spatio Rhobotique Laboratory Pvt. Ltd (DSRL), a startup incubated at IIT Guwahati, have also received acknowledgement from the Defence Research and Development Organisation for their potential for integration into India's defence infrastructure. The Indian Army is already conducting field trials for the surveillance system.
India's big-ticket defense-tech move: Mahindra Group partners with US-based Anduril Industries
Mahindra Group has partnered with US-based Anduril Industries to develop autonomous and counter-unmanned aerial systems, including Autonomous Underwater Vehicles for security and reconnaissance missions. This collaboration aims to enhance defense capabilities using advanced technologies, aligning with recent US-India bilateral defense cooperation efforts.
250 MoUs signed to set up industrial units in UP, TN Defence Industrial Corridors: Rajnath Singh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that over 250 MoUs have been signed for industrial units in the Defence Industrial Corridors of Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Additionally, India allows up to 100% FDI in defence under government approval, reflecting significant steps towards enhancing domestic defence manufacturing and export capabilities.
Kumaraswamy pitches ICAT facility for Bengaluru to focus on EV, SDV development
Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy has proposed Bengaluru to host the third International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT), focusing on advancements in EV technology, autonomous systems, and data security. With Bengaluru's strong IT ecosystem and skilled workforce, the initiative aims to position India as a leader in sustainable and cutting-edge mobility solutions.
Tim Draper-backed Bon V Aero launches logistics drone
With advanced autonomous capabilities and fully designed, developed and manufactured in India by Bon V Aero, the drone is engineered to tackle diverse logistical challenges, particularly in regions where traditional transportation methods are impractical, the company said.
Odisha startup launches fully autonomous logistics drone service
"Today's launch of Air Orca marks an important advancement for India's logistics sector and for us as an Odisha-based company", said Satyabrata Sathapathy, CEO of Bon V Aero said on Saturday.
Silicon Valley's push to promote India-US defence cooperation
An India-US initiative to boost defence innovation will receive a Silicon Valley push this week. The INDUS X summit at Stanford University will gather top military manufacturers, startups, and venture capital firms to identify future military challenges and develop solutions. The event aims to enhance cross-border defence innovation ecosystems through co-development and co-production of weapon systems.
Zen Technologies launches AI-powered robot for global defense market
Zen Technologies and its subsidiary AI Turing Technologies have introduced advanced defense solutions including Prahasta, an AI-driven quadruped robot for real-time 3D mapping. Other innovations include Hawkeye, an anti-drone camera, Barbarik-URCWS, the world's lightest remote weapon station, and Sthir Stab 640, a stabilized sight for armored vehicles. These products aim to enhance mission planning, navigation, and combat effectiveness while reducing personnel risk. Zen Technologies' Chairman highlighted their commitment to integrating cutting-edge robotics into defense operations, reflecting in a 5% rise in their BSE share price.
Rs 300 crore allocated by Defence Ministry to foster Make in India defence tech innovations
The Indian Ministry of Defence has sanctioned over Rs 300 crore through its Technology Development Fund (TDF) to create an ecosystem for enhancing capabilities in cutting-edge technology and promoting 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence. The TDF scheme, executed by DRDO under the 'Make in India' initiative, provides grants-in-aid to Indian industries, including MSMEs and startups, as well as academic and scientific institutions, for the development of defence and dual-use technologies.
ARTPARK: From legged robots to advanced cargo drones, a look at India's first robotics park
ARTPARK, India's pioneering AI and robotics hub established in 2020 within the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) campus, Bengaluru, aims to foster inclusivity and equitable access to technology. With a core focus on innovation, skilling, and industry collaboration, ARTPARK nurtures startups, supports research, and tackles societal challenges. Backed by substantial funding, it's a nexus for developing cutting-edge solutions and driving India's technological advancement.
Skydio plans to bring commercial drones to India following defence tie-up
Skydio, an American drone manufacturer, plans to introduce its commercial drones in India following a recent tie-up with an Indian company to produce unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for defence customers in the Indo-Pacific region. While the company initially focuses on defence products in new markets, it aims to expand into non-military and non-government sectors over time. Skydio's collaboration with Aeroarc will develop small uncrewed aircraft systems (SUAS) for the Indian defence ministry and other global defence customers, showcasing its commitment to advancing drone technology in India.
Mine detector AUV launched
The platform launched on Friday is a prototype. It has an endurance of four hours and can go up to 300 metres deep, he said. The process is on to enhance the AUV's endurance from 200 to 300 per cent and these can then be deployed across the coastal waters for ensuring safety of the coast. This platform is for deployment from either a mother ship or at the coast for coastal protection.
Grene Robotics acquires C4ISRT platform to bolster anti-drone capabilities
This acquisition is expected to strengthen Grene Robotics’ Indigenous Autonomous Drone Security System – Indrajaal at the national and international level to become a leading global provider of counter-drone security systems.
BEL, GSL ink pact to address global market opportunities in Naval platforms space
BEL CMD Bhanu Prakash Srivastava, and GSL CMD Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay exchanged the MoU documents, a BEL statement said.
Indigenous loitering munition successfully hits target at Pokhran
Developed by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), the autonomous system is designed for Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) and will soon be inducted into the armed forces. Sources told ET that the system - named ALS 50 - accurately hit the ground target with an explosive warhead during trials.
Indigenisation a way forward to become regional power, win future wars: CDS Bipin Rawat
"Our nation's aspiration of becoming a regional power cannot rely on borrowed strength. India's wars have to be won with Indian solutions. We cannot be import-dependent if we have to fight and win future wars. Indigenisation, therefore, is the way forward," he said.
Autonomous drive: Going beyond cars
Robotic tractors, mining equipment and specialised non-road vehicles are expected to debut in India far sooner than self-driving cars.
Oracle intensifies war against Amazon, announces Gen 2 Autonomous Cloud Infrastructure to combat cyber threats
Ellison added that it was not easy to re-architecture the solution ground-up and highlighted in his presentation how Oracle incrementally added various autonomous capabilities over the past decade.
DRDO outlines Rs 18,000 crore investment plans
The country's premier defence research institute has allocated about 25-30 per cent for developing new projects during the current financial year.
Boeing launches 'HorizonX India Innovation Challenge' for startups
The US-based aerospace giant launched the 'Boeing HorizonX India Innovation Challenge 1.0' in collaboration with T-Hub, an incubator for startups promoted by the Telangana government.
Defence IoT firm CRON to suit up with Israel’s ARI, inks tech pact
The merger will see ARI’s allterrain Amstaf automated-rovers being integrated with CRON’s laser-guided intrusion-detection systems.
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