IIT Ropar develops indigenous drone tech for Indian Army

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Ropar are developing next-generation drone technologies for the Indian Armed Forces as part of a larger push for defense self-reliance.

At the institute’s Centre of Drones and Autonomous Systems (CoDRAS), a team of faculty and students is working on fully indigenous solutions that include advanced flight control, AI-powered navigation, and secure communication networks to reduce reliance on imported systems.

“The recent global conflicts have seen a tremendous increase in the use of technology-based warfare equipment, particularly the drones. Closer home, Operation Sindoor also disclosed the range of drone capability in not only safeguarding our own borderlinesbut also defending them while launching counter-offensives beyond the enemy lines,” said Dr Shashi Shekhar Jha, coordinator of CoDRAS.

Two major projects are currently underway at the request of the Indian Army. The first focuses on enabling autonomous drone landings in frontline and combat zones.

The second involves real-time geo-location estimation using drones for enhanced surveillance and target tracking.

The autonomous landing project is led by Dr Jha, Dr Sudeepta Mishra, and senior research fellow Shivam Kainth.

“The project is of special interest to the Indian defense forces for enabling uninterrupted drone surveillance and operations at the frontlines,” Dr Jha said.

“With continuous operational capabilities, drones can provide real-time situational awareness, enhance reconnaissance missions, and support critical decision-making in GPS-denied or contested environments,” Jha added.

Dr Mishra explained that the project involves building static landing platforms suitable for complex terrains and mobile bases like tanks or military vehicles.

“We are also trying to modify it as per the needs of the Indian Army so that it can land on both static and movable bases, including tanks and vehicles. At times, it becomes difficult to bring the drone back because of the signal issues due to the range. However, this landing base will be automatically linked with the drone, and they would be able to park themselves post the sortie,” he said.

The team expects to complete testing by the end of this year.

The second project, titled "Real-time Geo-location Estimation using Drones," is being carried out by Dr Jha, research fellow Shivam Kainth, and research intern Kanwarveer Singh.

The technology will allow drones to track movement, changes in terrain, and foliage, especially in high-risk or heavily covered border areas.

“Such capabilities are critical for enhancing situational awareness, supporting rapid decision-making, and strengthening surveillance operations in sensitive and dynamic environments,” Dr Jha added.

To strengthen its push toward indigenization, IIT Ropar has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Gurugram-based company AVPL.

Under this partnership, drones with fully Indian-made hardware, software, and intelligence systems will be developed jointly.

“This partnership will help us build drones and systems that are completely made in India, with Indian intelligence and security at the forefront. We are not just talking about aerospace innovation. We are building national defense capabilities,” said Prof Rajeev Ahuja, Director of IIT Ropar.

The ongoing projects reflect a focused effort to support India's defense modernization goals under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.