Defence
After Inducting SWARM Drones And Loitering Munitions, Indian Army Now Orders 200 Logistics Drones
Ujjwal Shrotryia
Aug 08, 2023, 01:34 PM | Updated 01:33 PM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
After the induction of high-tech AI-equipped SWARM drones and loitering munitions, the Indian Army has ordered 200 logistics drones from the startup Dhaksha Unmanned Systems.
The company stated that the order is scheduled to be delivered within the next 12 months.
Dhaksha Unmanned Systems expressed pride in being selected by the Indian Army to supply its logistics drones, hailing it as a significant milestone.
Ramanathan Narayanan, the CEO of Dhaksha Unmanned Systems, emphasised the company's commitment to advancing drone manufacturing technologies and fulfilling the requirements of the armed forces.
"We are committed to build the latest technologies for drone manufacturing and cater to requirements of the defence sector as well as the farming community of the country," Narayanan said.
Although the model bought by the army is not confirmed but it is most likely to be the Dhaksha Systems DH-HM (Hybrid Multirotor) logistics drone.
This drone is capable of lifting more than four kilograms of payload with an endurance of more than four hours.
It has a maximum range of 20 kilometres and can travel at a speed of 72 kmph. Unique features of the drone include the ability to automatically return home in case of loss of communications and land on the spot if the battery level goes low.
It is worth noting that the Indian Army inducted the first lot of SWARM drones, made by Bengaluru-based startup NewSpace Research on the sidelines of Aero India 2023 in February.
This makes Indian Army the first major army in the world to operationalise SWARM Drones.
Just three months ago (in April), Indian Army also signed a deal with Nagpur-based Solar Industries to supply 'Nagastra' loitering munition beating competitive offerings from Israel and Poland, as well.
Dhaksha Unmanned Systems highlighted its technology collaboration with Anna University and its unique position as the sole player in the country to receive type certificates from DGCA for three drone models in medium and small categories designed for agriculture and surveillance applications.
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Staff Writer at Swarajya. Writes on Indian Military and Defence.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.