Global Demand for Indian Drone and Anti-Drone Systems Soars
Indian defense manufacturers are witnessing a surge in global demand for their drone and anti-drone technologies, with countries from Armenia to the United States expressing significant interest. This trend was prominently showcased at the recent Aero India 2025 air show, where unmanned platforms outnumbered traditional fighter jets, highlighting a shift towards autonomous warfare systems.
One notable development is Zen Technologies’ plan to establish a manufacturing facility in the United States to cater to NATO markets. This move aims to provide agile solutions to meet the evolving defense needs of Western allies. Zen Technologies has previously supplied anti-drone systems to the Indian Air Force and Army, and has secured contracts with Armenia, marking a significant milestone in India’s defense exports.
The Indian government has been actively promoting domestic drone manufacturing through initiatives like the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and the Drone Rules, 2021. The Union Budget for 2025-26 allocated ₹57 crore (approximately $6.5 million) to the PLI scheme, a 72% increase from the previous year, aiming to boost local production and reduce reliance on imports.
With nearly 300 drone manufacturers operating in India, the country’s drone market is projected to reach between $4 billion to $40 billion over the next decade. The government’s vision is to transform India into a global drone manufacturing hub by 2030, potentially contributing 1–1.5% to the nation’s GDP and creating at least 500,000 jobs.
The increasing global interest in Indian drone and anti-drone systems underscores the nation’s growing prominence in the defense sector, driven by innovation, strategic partnerships, and supportive government policies.
