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In recent years, India has bolstered its indigenous defence capabilities. The fully Indian-designed drones stand as a testament to this progress as well as to the nation's growing technological prowess. These indigenous innovations reflect India's commitment to self-reliance in the defence sector.

 

Under the 'Make in India' initiative, organisations such as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), public sector undertakings, and private firms have developed a wide range of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) tailored for various applications, particularly in military and surveillance operations. Some of these drones were deployed during India's recent Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory action by the Indian Armed Forces in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives.

 

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Below is a list of the prominent 100 per cent Indian-designed drones that were either deployed to fly into Pakistani airbases, strike targets, conduct surveillance, or held in reserve during Op Sindoor. 

 

Netra

• Lightweight, quadcopter-style UAV.
• Developed by DRDO’s Research and Development Establishment (R&DE) and IdeaForge Technology Ltd.
• Used for urban surveillance, disaster management, and tactical reconnaissance.
• It is used by the Indian Army, paramilitary forces, and for disaster management.

 

JM-1 Loitering Munition (LM)

• Loitering munition (suicide/kamikaze drone).
• It is used for precision strikes.
• As per the reports, it was used in Operation Sindoor.

 

 

ALS-250

• It is a Tactical UAV, primarily used for surveillance and reconnaissance.
• ALS-250 is also used for monitoring and standby operations in conflict zones.

 

Switch

• Switch is also a Tactical UAV.
• Being used for surveillance and reconnaissance.
• It has been deployed for surveillance missions.

 

IG VTOL

• Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) UAV.
• It is used by the Indian Armed Forces for surveillance in high-altitude and tough terrains.

 

Ajeet Eagle

• It is a Tactical UAV, primarily used for surveillance and reconnaissance.
• Ajeet Eagle has played a role in both monitoring and standby operations.

 

IG FPV

• It is a First-Person View (FPV) kamikaze drone, developed by DRDO.
• It is primarily used for Anti-tank precision strikes.
• It has been successfully tested by the Indian Army’s Fleur-De-Lis Brigade with impact-based anti-tank munitions.

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