Indian Companies Introduce Advanced Drones as Global Demand Grows
India is rapidly expanding its presence in the global drone industry as it works to establish itself as a key supplier of uncrewed systems. As the United States seeks to reduce reliance on Chinese-manufactured drones, Indian companies are stepping up with new offerings. At Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, Garuda Aerospace announced that they will showcase 8 advanced drones. ideaForge Technology Limited unveiled a range of next-generation UAVs designed for defense, surveillance, and logistics applications.
ideaForge Showcases New UAV Lineup
ideaForge introduced four new UAVs at Aero India 2025: NETRA 5, SWITCH V2, a Tactical UAV concept, and a Logistics UAV concept. These systems are designed to address operational challenges in high-stakes environments.
Ankit Mehta, CEO of ideaForge, emphasized the company’s focus on secure and locally developed solutions. “At ideaForge, we innovate with purpose, creating UAVs that address the unique challenges faced by defense forces and industries. Our latest lineup—NETRA 5, SWITCH V2, Tactical UAV, and Logistics UAV—embodies our commitment to enhancing national security, operational efficiency, and industrial capability,” he said.
NETRA 5: AI-Enabled Surveillance and Security
NETRA 5 is a compact UAV designed for real-time intelligence gathering, border surveillance, disaster response, and military operations. The drone is built to operate in contested environments, featuring frequency hopping for electronic warfare resistance. AI capabilities enhance its mission autonomy, allowing it to function in GNSS-denied environments.
SWITCH V2: Improved Performance and Versatility
An upgrade to the SWITCH V1, the SWITCH V2 drone offers a 25% improvement in performance. This hybrid UAV transitions between vertical takeoff and fixed-wing flight, making it suitable for high-altitude and long-range missions. With enhanced wind resistance and fail-safe features, it is optimized for military mapping, ISR, and surveillance. The original SWITCH UAV recently earned a “Fit for Indian Military Use” certification from DGQA.
Concept UAVs: Tactical and Logistics Solutions
The Tactical UAV concept is designed for armed forces, internal security units, and first responders. It has an endurance of up to six hours and an 80-kilometer operational range, offering real-time intelligence in low-visibility conditions. The drone supports AI-enabled detections, anti-jamming communication, and multi-drone swarming capabilities.
The Logistics UAV concept is an autonomous fixed-wing VTOL drone capable of transporting supplies in challenging terrains. It can operate from small landing areas at altitudes of 6,500 meters and carry payloads up to 200 kilograms over 50 kilometers. It is designed for medical evacuation, cargo transport, and precision supply drops.
Programs to Accelerate Adoption
ideaForge also introduced two new initiatives: the Early Access Program (EAP) and the Co-Innovate Access Program (CAP). The EAP allows select partners to test the NETRA 5 before its market release, providing feedback and participating in its rollout strategy. The CAP enables organizations to develop customized aerial solutions for applications such as medevac, mapping, and high-altitude logistics.
India’s Growing Role in the Global Drone Market
India’s drone industry is expanding as domestic companies develop secure, high-performance UAVs to meet global demand. The introduction of new drone models at Aero India 2025 highlights the country’s push to establish itself as a supplier of advanced uncrewed systems. With increasing investment in drone technology and government support for indigenous manufacturing, Indian companies are positioning themselves as competitive alternatives in the international market.
For more details visit ideaForge.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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