Indian drone makers see demand opportunity in border tensions

Likely procurements by the armed forces could provide some much-needed relief to drone companies

- Sakshi Sadashiv

Indian drone manufacturers such as IdeaForge, IG Drones, and Garuda Aerospace are cranking up production of surveillance and tactical systems, eyeing a rise in demand due to escalating border tensions and deepening geopolitical unrest.

The India-Pakistan conflict has seen both sides deploy drones for warfare and surveillance. The Indian defence forces are known to have deployed Israeli-made so-called suicide drones on 8 May.

But given that the tensions are far from ebbing, Indian drone makers are looking to cater to an expected rise in demand for such defence technologies.

"Our teams are currently deployed in the valley. Many of our customers already use our technology, so we remain on standby, ready to enhance their operational capabilities," Ankit Mehta, chief executive officer (CEO) of IdeaForge said, adding that due to the sensitive nature of the situation, the company is not privy to how the Indian armed forces are using their assets on the ground.

Mehta also refused to divulge details about the kind of drones—and quantity—that were being sought, saying that the information was sensitive.