In a move to enhance operational readiness, the Indian Army has placed a ₹1.37 billion (approx. $16 million) emergency order with ideaForge for mini UAVs. The company is set to deliver a fleet of fixed-wing vertical take-off and landing drones, along with accessories, over the next year.
These drones, designed for surveillance and reconnaissance, proved their effectiveness in the May 2025 skirmish between India and Pakistan. They will now support counterinsurgency and counterterrorism efforts.
The procurement criteria required critical components to be sourced only from countries not bordering India, with preference for domestic solutions. To validate this, two technical teams evaluated ideaForge’s facilities to ensure compliance with the sourcing guidelines.
This order supports the Indian government’s “Make in India” vision, promoting homegrown defense innovation and reducing reliance on imports.
