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In a major development for India's self-reliant defence sector, Gurgaon-based firm Anadrone Systems has successfully delivered its cutting-edge ABHAY anti-radar drone to the Indian Air Force.
The delivery was completed three months ahead of the projected schedule under the government's Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative, marking a significant achievement in indigenous military technology.
The ABHAY drone is a specialised unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD) missions. These critical operations aim to neutralise an adversary's air defence systems, such as radar installations and surface-to-air missile sites, allowing friendly aircraft to operate safely.
The drone's early induction was acknowledged by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during the Raksha Navachar Samvaad event on October 8, where he commended the company for its rapid innovation.
Anadrone Systems has positioned itself as a key contributor to the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) mission, with its products containing over 80% locally sourced content.
The company, which operates research facilities in Odisha, has a proven track record, having already supplied more than 1,000 SHIKRA high-speed aerial targets to the Indian Armed Forces and other defence organisations.
The timely completion of the ABHAY project further solidifies its reputation for developing sophisticated autonomous systems for modern warfare.
Engineered to deceive and overwhelm enemy air defences, the ABHAY drone boasts a suite of advanced electronic warfare capabilities. It can operate in "swarms," where multiple drones work in a coordinated group to confuse enemy radar networks.
The drone is also equipped with active jamming technology to disrupt enemy communications and can dispense chaff—clouds of small metallic fibres—to create false targets and evade detection.
Furthermore, it can digitally alter its radar signature to mimic larger aircraft, diverting enemy attention. With an operational range of over 500 kilometres and the ability to fly at altitudes above 30,000 feet for more than an hour, ABHAY is well-suited for high-risk missions in contested airspace.
The project's accelerated pace, moving from award to field trials within a single year, drew praise from the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
"Fast development, meeting milestones ahead of schedule, and field-testing within a year of winning the project—this is the spirit India needs," Mr. Singh stated.
He highlighted the role of startups in the nation's technological advancement, encouraging them to become India's first "Defence Unicorn" and establish the country as a global leader. "India’s defence innovation journey is moving from concept to creation, and from vision to victory," he added.
Anant Bhalotia, the Founder and CEO of Anadrone Systems, expressed his gratitude for the government's support.
"This acknowledgement from the hon’ble defence minister reaffirms our mission to develop high-speed autonomous UAV systems with core indigenous technology," he said.
Bhalotia emphasised the company's focus on expanding exports and advancing its work in autonomy and electronic warfare to provide world-class systems to the Armed Forces.
The successful development of platforms like ABHAY showcases the growing strength of India's private defence industry.
By fostering innovation within startups, the iDEX initiative is enabling the rapid delivery of mission-critical solutions, enhancing the operational superiority of the Indian military and strengthening the nation's strategic autonomy on the global stage.
