IIT Ropar Builds Drones for Army Surveillance
The Indian Army has endorsed a pioneering project by IIT Ropar to develop next-generation surveillance drones, showcasing the progress of homegrown defence technology. Led by the Centre of Drones and Autonomous Systems (CoDRAS), the project focuses on creating India’s first fully indigenous autonomous landing and real-time geo-tracking systems for use in frontline and contested zones.
Autonomous Landing: Precision in Tough Terrain
One of the flagship developments is a drone system capable of automatic landing on both fixed and moving surfaces—including vehicles and tanks. Using AI-enabled navigation and secure communication networks, the drone can locate and land on remote platforms even in GPS-denied or hostile environments. The team, led by Dr Shashi Shekhar Jha and Dr Sudeepta Mishra, is on track to complete testing by December 2025.
Real-Time Geo-Tracking Enhances Vision
The second core capability involves real-time geo-location estimation, where drones identify and track shifting terrain, foliage, and human movement. This allows frontline commanders to monitor threats and make informed decisions quickly—a key need during ongoing operations such as Operation Sindoor along India’s borders.
Partnership Under Aatmanirbhar Bharat
To accelerate development and production, IIT Ropar has signed an MoU with Gurugram-based startup AVPL, aiming for 100% indigenous hardware and software. The university’s director highlighted this as a major step towards self-reliant defence systems and safeguarding sensitive military data.
Boosting Defence Readiness
These breakthrough drone capabilities are being designed specifically for the Indian Army. Once installed, they will improve situational awareness, support night-time reconnaissance, and aid decision-making in harsh terrain. Continuous drone operations promise better monitoring of borders and tactical zones.
With indigenous surveillance platforms under development by mid-2025, India is steadily reducing dependency on imports—aligning with government priority to modernise armed forces through Aatmanirbhar initiatives.
