New Delhi: Ministry of Defence (MoD) has made a significant move to bolster the nation’s counter-drone and airspace security capabilities by awarding contracts worth ₹100 crore (approximately USD 11–12 million) to Hyderabad-based defence technology company Indrajaal Drone Defence for the supply of its indigenous Indrajaal Infra Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS).
What is Indrajaal Infra C-UAS?
The Indrajaal Infra Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System is a next-generation, AI-enabled, autonomous defence solution designed to detect, track, classify, and neutralize unauthorized drones.
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Developed by Indrajaal Drone Defence — a Hyderabad-based company focusing on counter-drone technologies — the system integrates multiple layers of sensors and mitigation technologies to provide comprehensive aerial security.
What are the Features of Indrajaal Infra C-UAS
Multi-Sensor Detection: Uses long-range radar, radio frequency (RF) detection, and direction finders to establish aerial situational awareness.
AI-Driven Command & Control: Powered by the proprietary SkyOS command-and-control platform, enabling real-time responsiveness with minimal human intervention.
Soft-Kill Measures: RF jamming and GNSS spoofing to disrupt hostile drone navigation without kinetic engagement.
Hard-Kill Options: Includes networked interceptor drones (such as the Zombee) to eliminate threats if non-kinetic methods are insufficient.
This layered defence approach aligns with modern C-UAS doctrines blending electronic warfare and autonomous engagement.
Deployment Plans of Indrajaal Infra C-UAS
According to MoD communications and industry sources:
Indian Navy Deployment
Systems will be installed at naval ports on India’s western seaboard, including major harbours and strategic maritime facilities.
The aim is to protect naval assets from potential aerial incursions, safeguarding critical logistics and maritime security.
Indian Army Deployment
C-UAS units will be positioned along eastern border strategic locations, where unmanned aerial threats have grown more prevalent due to complex frontier environments.
These deployments reflect India’s broader defence posture towards layered aerial threat mitigation.
Furthermore, the MoD’s timeline indicates that 50% of all contracted systems will be delivered by March 2026, with full delivery aimed by June 2026.
Indigenous Innovation & Defence Industrial Growth
This procurement marks a crucial step in promoting indigenous defence technology development by private Indian companies. Indrajaal’s success indicates a maturing ecosystem in which AI-based autonomous defence systems can compete with global alternatives.
The initiative not only enhances national security but also reinforces export potential for Indian defence technologies.
Located in Hyderabad — already a hub for defence manufacturing and innovation — Indrajaal’s engagements add momentum to the government’s push for domestic defence production and Make-in-India initiatives.
What is the Importance of Indrajaal Infra C-UAS
With drone technology becoming increasingly accessible to non-state actors and advanced adversaries, autonomous C-UAS systems are essential to counter unpredictable aerial threats.
They reduce reliance on traditional operator-intensive systems and significantly shorten response times in crisis scenarios.
Strengthening Critical Infrastructure Security
Protecting military bases, naval docks, and defence manufacturing facilities is not only about deterrence — it also ensures continuity of operations and shields strategic assets from espionage, sabotage, or direct attack.
