From handling defence-specific tasks with or without human intervention to withstanding extreme weather, how capable are drones? What if someone tries to hack sensitive data from it? Tackling all these questions, Sambit Parida from IG Drones strikes up a conversation with EFY’s Nitisha Dubey.
Q. What services do IG Drones provide in the industrial and defence sectors?
A. At IG Drones, we are the pioneer in ‘Made-in-India’ drone technology and leaders in developing indigenously developed drone technology for defence and industrial applications. We provide innovative products like the IG Drones Jaga drone, which is ideal for surveillance and mapping missions and drastically improves operational efficiency. The indigenous drones can upgrade the security and surveillance at the borders and are also capable of being strategic for army usage. On the other hand, our Kisan drone is designed specifically for agricultural needs, such as spraying fertilisers and pesticides, replacing manual methods.
We also specialise in industrial applications such as powerline monitoring, wind turbine inspections, solar plant monitoring, and non-contact testing to streamline industrial operations. We have developed advanced products like India’s first 5G drone and the Delta 400, a fixed-wing drone tailored for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in the defence sector. Our Skyhawk drone, a VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) system, excels in challenging terrains where landing strips are unavailable. Additionally, we offer cutting-edge anti-drone systems, including handheld anti-drone guns and fixed perimeter security solutions, to provide a comprehensive defence capability suite.
Q. How do IG Drones support defence-specific applications?
A. Our drones play a crucial role by supporting ISR operations, precision strikes, and reconnaissance missions. For example, drones like, as I said, the Skyhawk are deployed in remote and rugged terrains to gather intelligence, while bomb-dropping drones are used for precise strikes on enemy targets. This dual capability allows the company to cater to various military needs, from surveillance to targeted offensive operations.
Q. Do IG Drones operate fully autonomously, or is human intervention required?
A. Our drones are fully autonomous but also offer semi-automatic modes. This allows operators to take control in case of emergencies or unforeseen hazards, ensuring the safety and reliability of operations.
Q. Are your drones capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions during military operations?
A. The drones are built to the highest standards, like our MIL-STD-801 and Penta 5, ensuring they can operate effectively in extreme environments. By using durable materials such as military-grade carbon fibre, we have designed our drones to withstand the intense heat of Rajasthan’s deserts and the cold and high altitudes of the Himalayas.
Q. What measures are in place to secure sensitive data collected by the drones?
A. Data security is highly prioritised through robust encryption protocols, such as 256-bit encryption. The data collected by the drones is directly stored on secure military servers, eliminating manual intervention and ensuring that sensitive information remains protected from unauthorised access.
Q. What about hacking or jamming during operations?
A. Yes, our drones are equipped with advanced anti-jamming modules, ensuring that communication remains seamless even in environments with heavy interference. We have also implemented encrypted communication systems to safeguard against unauthorised access. If a hacking attempt is detected, the system automatically secures or erases critical data to prevent breaches.
Q. Where are your manufacturing facilities located?
A. The manufacturing facilities are located in Baroda, strategically chosen for their proximity to skilled manpower and research resources. These facilities are integral to the production of military-grade components and airframes.
Q. How much of the drone is manufactured in-house?
A. Approximately 85 to 90 per cent of components are manufactured in-house. This includes airframes made from military-grade carbon fibre and motors built using advanced winding machines. However, for critical electronic components like integrated circuits (ICs) and optics, we rely on international suppliers, primarily from the UK and the US. This balanced approach ensures quality while addressing supply chain limitations.
Q. What materials are used in manufacturing, and how do you ensure durability?
A. The military-grade carbon fibre, as I said, that we use to construct the airframes ensures high durability and resilience. The manufacturing process adheres to stringent standards, ensuring the drones can withstand extreme weather conditions.
Q. What is IG Drones’ current production capacity?
A. Each production line can manufacture five drones per week, with five active production lines. The company produces 30 to 50 drones monthly during peak seasons to meet demand.
Q. What challenges do IG Drones face in manufacturing?
A. The primary challenge is foreign suppliers’ dependency on specific critical components, such as ICs and optics. Additionally, India lacks centralised drone testing facilities, which would streamline the validation and deployment of new models. Despite these challenges, IG Drones views these issues as opportunities for growth, particularly with India’s push towards local semiconductor manufacturing and being the future drone hub. Every challenge brings opportunities, and we are here to seize the same.
Q. How does IG Drones view the current supply chain landscape?
A. IG Drones has avoided using Chinese components due to security concerns and relies on UK and US-based suppliers. We definitely keep security and self-reliance as our topmost priority. The company is optimistic about India’s efforts to bolster its electronics and semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, which will reduce dependence on foreign suppliers in the future.
Q. Does IG Drones hold any patents?
A. Yes, we hold multiple patents that cover various aspects of drone technology, including design patents for noise-reducing propellers and efficient component placement. Our portfolio also includes application-based patents.
Q. Can you provide examples of your patented applications?
A. One notable patent is for a drone designed to inspect wind turbine blades using ultrasonic sensors, which assess internal wear and tear that is invisible to conventional cameras. Another innovation is a rescue drone capable of deploying safety tubes or operating unmanned surface vehicles to aid in water rescues.
Q. Do you offer training programmes for your operators?
A. Yes, we provide comprehensive training programmes through simulation-based sessions. Using AR/VR simulators, operators are exposed to realistic scenarios, such as gusty winds or rain, ensuring they are well-prepared for real-world conditions. This approach minimises risks to the drones during initial operations and enhances operator proficiency. We have made India’s first indigenously developed drone simulator.
Q. What role does the Drone Centre of Excellence play in IG Drones’ ecosystem?
A. The Drone Centre of Excellence fosters an ecosystem for research and skill development. It engages university professors, researchers, and technicians in designing and testing new drone technologies. This collaborative approach ensures a continuous pipeline of innovation and technical expertise.
Q. Are there specific drones tailored for high-altitude military applications?
A. We are developing high-altitude drones capable of operating above 10,000 feet (3048 metres). These drones address a critical gap in India’s defence capabilities, providing enhanced reconnaissance and surveillance options.
Q. Is IG Drones working on stealth or AI-powered drones?
A. Yes! We are actively developing stealth drones with AI capabilities. These drones can autonomously identify friendly and hostile targets, execute precision strikes, and return safely to base, ensuring asset recovery post-mission.
Q. What has IG Drones’ fiscal growth been in recent years?
A. IG Drones achieved 50% growth in the last three years, with typical year-on-year growth ranging from more than 35 to 40 per cent. This steady growth underscores the company’s success meeting industry and defence needs.
Q. What are IG Drones’ plans for the next two years?
A. The company plans to develop modular, indigenous drones for the defence, commercial, and public sectors. It also aims to increase research and development (R&D) investments to create medium- and high-altitude drones for reconnaissance missions, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. IG Drones is working on unmanned surface vehicles for underwater and rescue operations too.
Q. What is IG Drones’ vision for the future?
A. IG Drones is on a mission to democratise drone technology by building a holistic ecosystem that combines skill development, indigenous manufacturing, and cutting-edge innovations. With a strong focus on R&D and expanding its portfolio, the company aims to make India self-reliant in drone and drone-based defence technologies.