SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Army has placed a significant order for nearly 700 Trinetra drones, an indigenized version of a popular American drone used by the US Department of Defense.
Originally developed by the Silicon Valley startup Skydio, the drones have been adapted for Indian requirements by the Coimbatore-based firm AeroArc. The Trinetra drones are based on the Skydio Scout, an autonomous flight system that offers operators enhanced situational awareness without requiring manual control.
A distinctive feature of the Skydio Scout is its ability to operate without relying solely on GPS tracking. This allows the drone to be positioned anywhere in 3D space and focus on specific areas of interest, while still maintaining a fixed GPS position. The Scout skill also enables seamless drone repositioning while tracking moving subjects, making it ideal for operations in congested environments.
The Trinetra drones are expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the Indian Army’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Their autonomous flight capabilities and advanced features make them well-suited for various military applications, such as monitoring vehicle convoys in remote areas, identifying potential threats, and providing overwatch during operations.