Odisha-based startup IG Drones bolsters India’s border defences

Bhubaneswar(22/10/2025): In a major leap forward for India’s indigenous defence manufacturing, the Odisha-headquartered startup IG Drones has emerged as a strategic partner in the recently executed Operation Sindoor, supporting India’s border security operations against adversarial threats across the Line of Control and beyond.

Their high-performance unmanned aerial systems have been deployed by the Indian Army in tactical surveillance, terrain mapping, and precision strike support roles. Founded in 2018 and rooted in Odisha, IG Drones has built a portfolio of advanced first-person-view (FPV) drones explicitly designed for high-altitude, rugged-terrain, and contested-airspace operations — entirely free from Chinese components. During Operation Sindoor – which targeted multiple terrorist infrastructure locations across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and adjacent border segments – IG Drones’ platforms were utilised for real-time intelligence gathering, aerial reconnaissance in challenging terrain, and rapid strike coordination. IG Drones has also secured a major contract with the Indian Army for the supply of advanced FPV drone systems, marking a milestone in India’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” defence technology mission. The deployment during Operation Sindoor signifies that India is now relying on domestically developed unmanned systems beyond conventional frontiers, reducing dependence on foreign-origin drones.

The strategic message is clear: India’s indigenous drone industry, exemplified by IG Drones, is now playing a direct role in border security operations — not just in surveillance or infrastructure inspection, but in active operational contexts with tangible tactical impact. The deployment of advanced drone systems developed by domestic innovators such as IG Drones marks a decisive shift in India’s border-security architecture.

Instead of relying solely on traditional manned patrols, fixed-wing aircraft, or imported unmanned systems, Indian forces are now leveraging agile, modular drone platforms tailored for contested terrain, high altitude, and round-the-clock operations.