The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has handed over counter-drone technology to Indian defence firms - Bharat Electricals Limited (BEL) and private sector military equipment manufacturers Adani Defence and Aerospace, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Icom, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in a written response to a parliamentary panel.
"The DRDO is making drone-based systems and anti-drone systems based on the requirements of user agencies. The DRDO has developed a comprehensive integrated anti-drone system which comprises detection, identification, and neutralisation of a drone," the MoD noted.
Furthermore, the MoD informed lawmakers in Parliament that the country's tri-services - Army, Navy, and Air Force have already signed contracts with BEL for the acquisition of anti-drone equipment.
"Three Services have already placed 23 orders on BEL for DRDO-developed technology. The above technology is suitable for detection, identification and neutralisation of an intruding drone on our land borders also. The solutions can be customised for different challenges," it noted.
Besides, it was revealed that the DRDO was focused on designing and developing high-end drones, Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE), and short-range armed UAVs.
The MALE UAV, named Tapas, designed for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions, is just months away from its inaugural trials. Meanwhile, the short-range armed drone, Archer, is actively undergoing flight tests, marking a notable stride in India's drone capabilities.