IG Drones, a Gurugram-based drone technology company, has taken a significant step toward bolstering India’s defence capabilities by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Uttar Pradesh government. The agreement paves the way for establishing an advanced drone manufacturing and research facility within the UP Defence Corridor, a strategic move aimed at positioning Uttar Pradesh as a leading hub for aerospace and defence innovation.
The facility will focus on producing indigenous drones for India’s defence forces, with the state government providing crucial approvals, permissions, and access to both state and central incentives. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to advancing India’s self-reliance in defence technology.
“This MoU is not just an agreement; it is a commitment to India’s self-reliance in defence technology,” said Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, founder and CEO of IG Drones. “Our new facility will serve as a hub of innovation, manufacturing, and employment.”
Sanghapriya emphasised that the FPV Striker Drone, developed and tested in India—including deployments along the Indo-China border—demonstrates the country’s growing capability to produce cutting-edge defence technology without relying on external powers. “Our drones are proudly ‘Made in India’ and contain no Chinese components,” he previously told AIM. “With over 75% indigenous capability, we are redefining sovereign tech at the border.”
The strategic importance of this initiative is underscored by Major General Ramesh C. Padhi, senior vice president of R&D at IG Drones. “The demand for indigenous FPV drones is surging globally, and India must seize this moment,” he said. “Our upcoming facility will play a pivotal role in ensuring that production is scaled up to meet national security requirements.”
IG Drones plans to mass-produce 100,000 units of its FPV Striker Drone annually. Designed for rapid deployment and precision targeting, the drone represents a critical advancement in India’s defence capabilities. With the global drone market projected to exceed $55 billion by 2030, IG Drones is poised to expand both domestically and internationally.
This MoU marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward technological sovereignty. By strengthening its defence capabilities through indigenous innovation, the country is not only enhancing its national security but also positioning itself as a key player in the global defence technology landscape.
IG Drones’ subsidiary, IG Defence, has already demonstrated its commitment to advancing India’s defence infrastructure by signing a contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to implement a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) tool tracking system. This system enhances airbase safety and efficiency by streamlining tool management and inventory tracking, further solidifying IG Drones’ role in shaping the future of India’s defence sector.