A defence technology startup in Surat has supplied 100 indigenous Kamikaze drones to the Indian Army in just 60 days, showcasing a swift production cycle in India’s defence manufacturing sector. Inside FPV, the firm behind the drones, completed the project to meet the armed forces’ operational needs. The rapid delivery timeline has garnered attention for its efficiency and scale of production achieved within a short span.
The development and production of these drones received support from various institutions, as stated by the company. Arth Chaudhary, the CEO, acknowledged the backing from both the Central and state governments, highlighting their contributions to facilitating the startup’s operations. Chaudhary mentioned that the Union government and the state government provided substantial support, including grants and investment assistance under the state’s startup promotion policy.
These Kamikaze drones, designed as one-time-use systems, can reach speeds exceeding 250 km per hour, offering high-precision capabilities at a lower cost compared to similar imported models. Defence analyst T.P. Tyagi emphasized the relevance of such drones in modern battlefield scenarios, noting their alignment with the evolving trends in unmanned warfare and potential impact on future operational strategies.
The successful development of these drones signifies a broader move towards self-reliance in defence production, aligning with India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) goals in the defence sector. This achievement by the Surat-based startup reflects a growing trend of startups venturing into domains traditionally dominated by established defence suppliers, particularly in unmanned aerial systems.
