SOURCE: AFI
The landscape of counter-drone technology in India has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past five years. When the Indian Army first began acquiring anti-drone guns, the cost per unit was prohibitively high at around ?50 lakh, with very limited suppliers in the market. Today, the scenario has changed significantly, with dozens of Indian manufacturers offering advanced solutions at prices as low as ?8 lakh per unit.
Five years ago, counter-drone systems were a niche technology. Most suppliers in India were either reliant on imported systems or functioned as assemblers, assembling components sourced from abroad with minimal local value addition.
At the time, the Indian defense industry lacked the technical expertise and production capabilities to develop effective anti-drone guns domestically. This reliance on imports and limited competition kept costs high, making it challenging for the armed forces to procure such equipment in significant numbers.
Fast forward to today, and the landscape of anti-drone technology in India has transformed dramatically. The market now boasts dozens of Indian suppliers, which have significantly increased the availability of these critical defense systems. The price has also seen a substantial reduction, now hovering around INR 8 lakhs per unit.
India’s push towards self-reliance in defense, encapsulated in initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, has spurred domestic production. This has not only reduced dependency on foreign suppliers but also lowered costs through economies of scale and local innovation.
While there’s been a push for complete indigenization, some components still come from abroad. This blend of local assembly with imported parts has helped balance the cost while maintaining technological sophistication.
Policy reforms have been instrumental. The government has eased regulations, provided incentives, and set up frameworks like the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for drones and drone components, which has boosted the industry.
Over the years, there has been a marked improvement in the technology itself. What was once a niche and expensive piece of equipment has become more standardized, with advancements in detection, jamming, and neutralization capabilities making these systems more effective and affordable.