Odisha-based IG Drones has taken a significant step toward strengthening India’s defence technology ecosystem by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Uttar Pradesh government. The agreement establishes an advanced drone manufacturing and research and development facility within the Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor, positioning the region as a key player in aerospace and defence innovation.
The MoU outlines comprehensive support from the UP government, including necessary approvals, permissions, and access to state and central incentives. This collaboration is expected to bolster India’s self-reliance in defence technology, a critical objective as geopolitical tensions and military modernisation drive global demand for advanced unmanned systems.
“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. The new facility is poised to become a centre for innovation, manufacturing, and employment, ensuring the availability of next-generation indigenous drones for the armed forces and allied nations.
Sanghapriya highlighted the success of the FPV Striker Drone, an entirely Indian innovation that underwent frontline trials at the Indo-China border. “The success of its trials reinforces that India no longer needs to look outside for critical technologies. We are building sovereignty in the skies, powered entirely by Indian innovation,” he added.
Major General R C Padhi, senior vice-president (R&D) at IG Drones, emphasised the growing global demand for indigenous FPV drones. “Our upcoming facility will play a pivotal role in ensuring that production is scaled up to meet national security requirements,” he said.
IG Drones plans to commence mass production of its armoured FPV Striker Drones, with an ambitious target of producing 100,000 units annually. These drones, designed and developed entirely in India, represent a significant shift in tactical drone warfare, offering rapid deployment, precision targeting, and resilience in extreme conditions.
As the global drone market is projected to surpass USD 55 billion by 2030, driven largely by military demand, this MoU marks a crucial step in India’s pursuit of technological sovereignty. “It underscores a new phase where cutting-edge defence solutions are proudly ‘Built in Bharat, Built for Bharat, Ready for the World,’” a company statement read.
This initiative aligns with India’s broader strategic goals of reducing dependence on foreign military technology and fostering domestic innovation. The Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor, a key initiative under India’s defence industrial corridor policy, is expected to attract further investments and partnerships, solidifying the region’s role in the country’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
As IG Drones scales production, the facility could also serve as a model for other Indian defence startups, demonstrating how public-private partnerships can drive technological advancement and economic growth. The success of this collaboration may inspire similar initiatives across India, further strengthening the nation’s defence capabilities and global competitiveness in the aerospace sector.