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The two drones – FPV combat drone and high-payload logistics drone – have been designed to meet evolving demands of modern warfare and could soon be deployed for active operations
Amid a military standoff between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, the strategic importance of indigenous drone technology has never been more apparent. (Image for representation: Sourced)
Two cutting-edge drones developed by IIT Kanpur are set to undergo final trials on May 25, potentially becoming a vital addition to the Indian Army’s growing UAV arsenal.
Amid a military standoff between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, the strategic importance of indigenous drone technology has never been more apparent. The two drones – FPV (First Person View) combat drone and a high-payload logistics drone – have been designed to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare and could soon be deployed for active operations.
RISE OF DRONE WARFARE DURING OPERATION SINDOOR
The launch of Operation Sindoor on May 7 marked a turning point in India’s counter-terror strategy, as the armed forces targeted nine terror launchpads across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation to the Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives, on April 22.
What set this operation apart was the extensive deployment of drones for both reconnaissance and precision targeting. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) provided real-time intelligence, tracked militant movement, and guided strikes with surgical accuracy, minimising collateral damage.
The operation signalled a clear shift towards drone-led warfare, where aerial autonomy, stealth, and surveillance became decisive battlefield tools. The ministry of defence has since directed all drone-developing institutions and companies to present their most advanced prototypes for urgent consideration.
MADE-IN-INDIA DRONES ANSWER NATIONAL CALL
IIT Kanpur’s scientists and engineers have rapidly developed two specialised drone models. The first is a short-range FPV drone designed for precision strikes and real-time battlefield reconnaissance. The second is a heavy-lift drone capable of transporting logistics – ammunition, rations, or medical supplies – across rugged or inaccessible terrain.
Both are equipped with stealth features and radar-evasive capabilities, making them ideal for deployment in hostile zones. “These drones are a direct response to a formal request from the Indian Army, given the evolving security environment. We are aiming for high-impact performance in both tactical and logistic dimensions. The May 25 trials will be crucial,” said Prof Abhishek from IIT Kanpur’s aerospace engineering department, which played a crucial role in developing the drones.
FPV Combat Drone: This drone is a high-speed, low-altitude tactical UAV built for offensive roles in close-range engagements. Weighing under 10 kg, it features a compact frame, ultra-fast motor, and front-mounted high-definition camera capable of transmitting real-time video to ground controllers. It is designed for “kamikaze” missions as well as precision-targeted payload delivery. The drone can fly at speeds up to 120 kmph and has a flight endurance of up to 30 minutes. Equipped with GPS-denied navigation capabilities and visual-inertial odometry, it can operate in jammed or signal-compromised environments. It is also designed to fly through narrow urban or mountainous paths with enhanced obstacle avoidance algorithms, making it highly effective in surgical strike-type operations and enemy base infiltration.
Heavy-Lift Logistics Drone: The high-payload logistics drone, on the other hand, is a robust, multi-rotor UAV capable of lifting up to 30 kg cargo over a range of 40 km. Engineered for operations in high altitude or disaster-prone areas, this drone is fitted with long-range encrypted communication links and advanced fail-safe systems such as auto-return, parachute deployment, and autonomous navigation. It can operate under diverse weather conditions and is designed to land in unprepared terrain, making it ideal for supply drops to forward bases or stranded units. The drone’s modular payload bay can carry different types of cargo – from medical kits and food packets to ammunition crates – secured with vibration-absorbing shock mounts. This drone is expected to significantly reduce the army’s dependence on manned helicopters for critical logistics in dangerous or hard-to-reach areas.
PROVEN TRACK RECORD IN DEFENCE SUPPORT
IIT Kanpur has previously supplied around 30 drones to the Indian Army, some of which are reportedly in service in the northeastern sectors.
While operational details remain confidential, experts said these units have demonstrated strong performance in surveillance, terrain mapping, and limited combat roles. The new drones are expected to be more agile, autonomous, and mission-adaptive.
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