The Indian Army is set to strengthen its small-drone capability through the procurement of 225 First-Person View (FPV) drones from Aerodrone Robotics Pvt Ltd, after competitive evaluation and trials that tested the systems at altitudes of up to 17,500 feet.
For the Army, a key benefit of the procurement is the addition of relatively small, agile and rapidly deployable unmanned platforms that have already been evaluated under demanding high-altitude conditions relevant to military operations.
The drones were assessed for endurance, accuracy, speed and other functional requirements before the order was placed, according to a statement from the company. Their performance at altitudes reaching 17,500 feet is particularly important as the deal moves systems tested under challenging field conditions into the Army's equipment inventory.
FPV and other small unmanned aerial systems are assuming an increasingly important role in the military operations, particularly in situations that demand compact and agile platforms capable of rapid deployment.
The Gurugram-based Aerodrone, a leading drone technology company and a DGCA-approved drone training organisation, has been working in the military UAS segment across combat, surveillance and logistics applications. The company also provides operator training and technical support.
Another potential advantage for the Army is the ability to adapt the platforms according to specific operational requirements. Aerodrone describes its systems as military-hardened and says their software capabilities are developed in-house, giving greater control over platform configuration.
The company's integrated approach covers the platforms as well as operator training, assembly, maintenance and technical support.
The significance of the 225-drone order goes beyond the number of systems being acquired, the company noted. The procurement follows competitive trials and demonstrations, including assessments in demanding high-altitude environments.
It consequently represents a move towards field-tested indigenous drone systems capable of operating under difficult conditions, while adding rapidly deployable FPV platforms to the Army's capabilities.
For Aerodrone, the contract marks the progression of its engagement with the Army from trials and demonstrations to a significant equipment order.
The ISO-certified subsidiary of Innovision Ltd is also reportedly working towards establishing larger manufacturing facilities in Indian industrial corridors as it seeks to expand production capabilities.
