India’s drone manufacturer ideaForge has surpassed 550,000 successful UAV flights, with one of its drones taking off approximately every four minutes. This achievement underscores the company’s commitment to localizing drone technology and supports India’s ambition to become a leading drone hub by 2030. Currently, ideaForge has localized nearly 70% of its critical drone components, marking a significant step in reducing dependence on foreign technology.
Focused on building self-reliant UAV technology
Founded in 2007, ideaForge has dedicated itself to developing essential UAV systems domestically, including an autopilot system developed before open-source platforms like ArduPilot. This emphasis on in-house technology has led to a comprehensive portfolio of UAV capabilities suited for defense, surveillance, and industrial use. To ensure security and reliability, ideaForge avoids sourcing critical components from countries of concern, safeguarding its supply chain. The company offers a range of UAVs, from fixed-wing VTOL drones to traffic-monitoring models.
Diverse applications for public and private sectors
ideaForge’s drones are deployed across varied sectors, including border security, wildlife conservation, mining, and infrastructure monitoring. In recent years, the company has introduced FLYGHT Drone-as-a-Service, offering UAV solutions for traffic and public safety. Additionally, it has developed drones specifically for volumetric estimation in mining and surveillance of critical infrastructure. The company’s advancements are bolstered by India’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which aligns with the nation’s Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) initiative to support domestic manufacturing. To date, ideaForge has registered 78 patents covering UAV payloads, communication systems, and hybrid drone technology.
Investing in innovation and future technology
ideaForge invests around 22% of its annual revenue in R&D, with half of its workforce engaged in UAV development across hardware, software, and autopilot technology. The company’s in-house capabilities include advanced control systems, zoom payloads, and customized drones for GIS mapping and surveys used in mining, forestry, and national security. As ideaForge continues its focus on innovation and security, it strengthens its role in equipping India’s civil, defense, and industrial sectors with advanced, domestically produced UAV technology.
For more information on ideaForge’s UAV technology and projects, visit www.ideaforgetech.com