Indian Army is going hi-tech with introducing unmanned aerial systems in it’s operations. It had initially introduced high-tech AI-equipped SWARM drones and loitering munitions, and now 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.
Ramanathan Narayanan, CEO, Dhaksha Unmanned Systems, said “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.”
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.
