The Anatomy of Defence Tech in India - Part 1 [Autonomous systems]

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India's defence technology sector is at a pivotal moment, driven by a surge in innovation, strategic reforms, and a pressing need for self-reliance. The Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives are reshaping the landscape, reducing dependence on imports, and positioning India as a global defence powerhouse. But as the world races towards next-generation warfare, India faces an increasingly complex security environment. From aggressive military modernization by neighbouring nations to rising cyber threats and the rapid proliferation of hypersonic and unmanned systems, the challenges are evolving at an unprecedented pace.

To counter these threats, India is doubling down on indigenous defence development. Raising FDI limits to 74%, establishing defence industrial corridors, and enforcing indigenization lists are just the beginning. Meanwhile, initiatives like iDEX and the Defense India Startup Challenge are injecting fresh energy into the ecosystem, empowering startups and private enterprises to drive innovation. With a goal of achieving 70-75% indigenous content in defence procurement, the focus is now shifting to network-centric warfare, AI-driven systems, and next-generation autonomous platforms.

But the real game-changer is autonomy. The future battlefield will be shaped by AI-powered systems capable of executing missions with minimal human intervention. From swarms of drones conducting surveillance to autonomous combat vehicles engaging in precision strikes, warfare is being redefined. India is rapidly investing in AI, robotics, and unmanned systems to strengthen national security. With defence PSUs, startups, and private firms racing to develop these cutting-edge solutions.

Landscape:

UAS - Unmanned Aerial Systems (Drones)

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), or drones, have revolutionized modern warfare, merging robotics, artificial intelligence, and precision weaponry to reshape battlefield strategy. These machines, once confined to surveillance and reconnaissance, are now actively deployed for strikes, logistics, and electronic warfare, making them indispensable in contemporary conflicts. Their low-cost, high-impact nature has blurred the lines between traditional and asymmetric warfare, forcing militaries to rethink how wars are fought and won.

The 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war was a defining moment in drone warfare, as Azerbaijan’s fleet of Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones swiftly dismantled nearly half of Armenia’s air defences and artillery, demonstrating how UAVs can neutralize superior conventional forces. In Ukraine, both Russian and Ukrainian forces have taken drone warfare to new heights, deploying UAVs for intelligence gathering, precision strikes, and electronic disruption. The conflict has also exposed vulnerabilities - large, expensive drones like the Global Hawk and Reaper have proven highly susceptible to modern air defences, leading to a strategic pivot toward smaller, expendable UAVs that can evade detection and attack in swarms.

This shift has given rise to multiple classes of UAVs, each tailored for specialized combat roles. Reconnaissance and Surveillance Drones, such as the MQ-9 Reaper and Orlan-10, provide real-time intelligence, guiding battlefield decisions with unprecedented accuracy. Combat UAVs, like the Bayraktar TB2 and U.S.-built MQ-1C Gray Eagle, conduct high-precision strikes with minimal risk to human pilots. Loitering Munitions (Kamikaze Drones), including the Switchblade 600 and Iran’s Shahed-136, function as airborne guided missiles, hovering over enemy positions before executing lethal strikes. Tactical Micro and FPV Drones are now frontline assets, used for battlefield surveillance, damage assessment, and even direct attacks on enemy positions. Electronic Warfare Drones, such as Russia’s Leer-3 and China’s FH-95, disrupt enemy radar, communications, and GPS networks, crippling traditional military coordination.

Perhaps the most alarming development is swarm drone technology, where AI-driven UAVs operate in coordinated groups to overwhelm enemy defences. This emerging capability threatens to neutralize even the most sophisticated air defence systems, as seen in recent tests conducted by China and the U.S., where dozens or even hundreds of drones attacked in unison, rendering traditional countermeasures ineffective. The affordability and ease of production of these systems make them particularly attractive to non-state actors and insurgent groups, further expanding the threat landscape.

For India, these developments represent both an opportunity and a challenge. The growing prevalence of UAV warfare has prompted the country to accelerate its own drone programs while simultaneously investing in counter-drone technologies. India has been integrating indigenous UAVs such as DRDO’s Rustom-II and TAPAS-BH for long-range surveillance while acquiring MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones to enhance maritime reconnaissance capabilities. On the battlefield, the Indian Army is rapidly deploying loitering munitions like the Israeli-origin Harop and domestically developed ALFA-S to target enemy armour and fortifications. Tactical drones, such as IdeaForge’s SWITCH UAV, are being actively used for reconnaissance along sensitive border areas.

However, the drone threat to India is equally pressing. Pakistan-based militant groups have used UAVs to smuggle weapons and narcotics across the border, while in 2021, a drone attack on Jammu Air Force Station signalled the arrival of asymmetric aerial threats on Indian soil. China’s advancements in swarm drone technology pose a strategic challenge, with Beijing testing autonomous drone formations capable of executing coordinated strikes alarming prospect given the ongoing border tensions in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.

To counter these threats, India is deploying anti-drone systems, such as DRDO’s D4 system and laser-based interception platforms, capable of detecting and neutralizing hostile UAVs. The integration of electronic warfare drones into India’s air defence strategy is another crucial step, helping to jam enemy UAV communications and disable GPS-guided attacks. Additionally, India is actively developing naval drones and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to safeguard its maritime interests, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region.

As India pursues self-reliance in defence under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, its drone capabilities are set to expand rapidly. However, as warfare becomes increasingly dominated by autonomous and AI-driven systems, the focus must shift beyond just drone development—to countermeasures, cyber-electronic warfare, and artificial intelligence-enabled defences. The future battlefield will be shaped not only by who has the most advanced UAVs, but by who can effectively neutralize them.

Asymmetric economics of drone warfare

Counter UAV / Anti - Drone Systems

As we have established the proliferation of drones and the threat they pose to security let’s look at what we can do to neutralize it.

A counter-drone solution typically has 3 stages:

Detect: A combination of detection sensors like Radio Frequency (RF), EO/IR, Radar, and acoustic sensors provide optimal detection and identification of drones and other UAS threats.

Assess: Machine learning and AI-based detection and classification software is usually used to track and assess drone threats in real-time using the data provided by detection products.

Respond: Respond technologies are broadly of 2 types Kinetic and Non-Kinetic which are used to neutralize the drone

Kinetic systems deploy projectiles, such as bullets or missiles, to effectively eliminate drones. Typically, these counter-drone systems integrate a sensor, like radar, for drone detection, along with a motorized platform for precise aiming and firing.

In contrast, non-kinetic systems focus on disrupting a drone's flight capabilities by interfering with crucial control and navigation signals. These systems emit disruptive signals at specified frequencies used for drone control, creating interference that renders the drone unable to discern its command signals amid the noise. Additionally, they may transmit false GPS signals, causing confusion in the drone's systems and disrupting any pre-loaded flight plans.

Although kinetic solutions are still in the early stages of adoption, non-kinetic systems have gained significant traction, with military and organizations globally already deploying them for enhanced drone threat mitigation.

Methods of Detection:

Counter Measures - Non Kinetic

Counter Methods - Kinetic

Comparison:

Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV)

Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) are robotic land platforms designed to operate without onboard human operators. They can be remotely controlled or function autonomously using AI-driven navigation and sensor-based systems. These vehicles vary in size and capability, performing critical military roles such as reconnaissance, logistics, combat, and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD). By reducing the risks to human soldiers and enhancing battlefield efficiency, UGVs are becoming indispensable assets in modern warfare.

The evolution of UGV technology dates back to 1984 when Carnegie Mellon University introduced the first autonomous vehicles, ALV and Navlab. Since then, rapid advancements in AI, robotics, and sensor fusion have significantly improved their autonomy and adaptability. UGVs integrate a range of sensors—including LiDAR, radar, vision systems, GPS, ultrasonic sensors, and inter-vehicle communication—to enhance situational awareness and decision-making. These systems function at three levels of mobility: teleoperation, computer-aided driving, and full autonomy, classified into six levels (0–5) based on human intervention.

Today, various types of UGVs are actively used in military operations. Reconnaissance UGVs, such as the iRobot PackBot and QinetiQ Talon, gather intelligence and provide surveillance in hostile environments. Combat UGVs like the Uran-9 and Milrem Robotics THeMIS are equipped with weapons for direct battlefield engagement. Logistics UGVs, including Ripsaw M5 and GUSS, transport supplies and evacuate wounded soldiers, improving operational efficiency. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) UGVs, such as the Foster-Miller TALON and Andros F6A, play a crucial role in bomb disposal and mine clearance. Meanwhile, swarm UGVs leverage AI and machine learning to operate as coordinated units, executing complex missions with minimal human oversight.

As military strategies evolve, UGVs are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of warfare. By reducing human exposure to dangerous combat scenarios, they enhance operational safety and effectiveness. AI-powered logistics vehicles streamline battlefield resupply, while autonomous combat units increase tactical flexibility. The emergence of swarm UGVs and real-time machine-speed decision-making is revolutionizing combat tactics, making warfare faster, more precise, and increasingly autonomous. With continued advancements in AI and robotics, UGVs are set to become central to next-generation military operations, redefining the landscape of modern warfare.

Types of UGVs

UGVs can be classified into three main categories based on their mobility and design: Wheeled Vehicles, Tracked Vehicles, and Bio-Inspired Robots.

Wheeled UGVs

Wheeled unmanned ground vehicles are among the most common due to their simplicity, speed, and energy efficiency. These vehicles typically have two, four, or six wheels and are best suited for paved roads, urban environments, and relatively smooth terrain.

Tracked UGVs

Tracked UGVs use continuous tracks instead of wheels, offering better traction and stability on uneven, off-road, and rugged terrains. These are ideal for military combat, engineering operations, and navigating rough environments.

Bio-Inspired Robots

Bio-inspired UGVs mimic animal or insect-like movement, enabling them to navigate complex terrains that conventional vehicles cannot. These robots are designed for highly specialized tasks like reconnaissance in tight spaces, climbing obstacles, and adapting to unpredictable environments.

India’s journey in Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) began in the early 2000s with defence research organizations exploring robotic solutions for surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat support. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) played a key role in early UGV development, with projects like Daksh, an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) robot designed to detect and neutralize IEDs and landmines. Daksh marked India's first major step in deploying indigenous robotic systems for military applications, demonstrating the potential of UGVs in counter-terrorism and bomb disposal missions.

In recent years, India's UGV capabilities have expanded significantly, with public and private sector players developing advanced autonomous ground systems. DRDO has been working on multi-terrain UGVs for logistics, reconnaissance, and border surveillance. Startups and defence firms like Tata Advanced Systems, L&T Defence, and Bharat Forge are also contributing to UGV development, focusing on combat-ready robotic vehicles, logistics automation, and AI-driven autonomous systems. Additionally, India is leveraging AI, IoT, and swarm robotics to enhance UGV intelligence and autonomy. With growing investments in Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiatives, UGVs are poised to play a crucial role in modernizing the Indian armed forces, securing borders, and enhancing operational efficiency in future warfare.

Autonomous Maritime Systems (AMS)

Autonomous Maritime Systems (AMS) have transformed naval warfare by enhancing ISR, mine countermeasures, and force projection while reducing risks to human personnel. Evolving from Cold War-era mine detection tools, modern AMS comprising AUVs and USVs now leverage AI, advanced sensors, and autonomous navigation to execute high-stakes missions with precision. These systems serve as force multipliers, enabling persistent surveillance, real-time intelligence, and safer mine and anti-submarine warfare operations, effectively neutralizing threats without endangering human crews.

There are various types of AMS currently in use, each designed for specific military applications. Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), such as the U.S. Navy’s REMUS and Boeing’s Echo Voyager, operate beneath the surface to conduct reconnaissance, mine countermeasures, and deep-sea intelligence gathering. Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), like the Sea Hunter and Turkey’s ULAQ, patrol vast oceanic areas for ISR, electronic warfare, and logistics support. Unmanned Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Systems, such as DARPA’s ACTUV (Anti-Submarine Warfare Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel), are designed to autonomously track enemy submarines for extended periods. Additionally, Autonomous Mine Countermeasure (MCM) Systems, such as the UK’s ARCIMS, detect and neutralize naval mines without endangering human divers or ships.

Beyond reconnaissance and defence, AMS is increasingly used in electronic and cyber warfare, where autonomous vessels equipped with advanced electronic warfare payloads can jam enemy communications, intercept signals, and execute cyber operations. Additionally, unmanned systems are transforming naval logistics by autonomously transporting supplies and refuelling vessels at sea. The emergence of armed USVs capable of executing precision strikes further underscores the growing role of AMS in combat operations.

As AI, swarm coordination, and energy-efficient propulsion continue to advance, AMS is set to become a cornerstone of modern naval strategy. By seamlessly integrating with traditional naval forces, these systems offer enhanced lethality, resilience, and operational flexibility. The shift towards autonomous maritime warfare is not just a technological evolution but a fundamental redefinition of how nations project power and secure their maritime interests in an increasingly contested global landscape.

Comparison:

India’s progress in Autonomous Maritime Systems (AMS) dates back to early research efforts led by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT). The first significant developments were in Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), such as DRDO’s Autonomous Remotely Operated Submersible (AROS) and NIOT’s ROSUB-6000, designed for deep-sea exploration and mine countermeasures. Recognizing the strategic importance of unmanned systems, India also developed Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) like Matsya, an IIT Bombay initiative, and AUV-150, a DRDO-designed vehicle for naval reconnaissance and seabed mapping. These early projects laid the foundation for India’s AMS ecosystem, focusing on defence, oceanography, and offshore resource exploration.

In recent years, India's AMS capabilities have seen significant advancements, driven by Make in India, iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence), and private-sector involvement. DRDO’s Underwater Unmanned Vehicle (UUV) program aims to develop AUVs for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW). The Indian Navy is integrating Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), such as the Sagar Defence Marine Robotics USVs, for mine countermeasures and autonomous patrolling. Startups like EyeROV and Planys Technologies are pioneering AI-driven UUVs for defence and maritime security.

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