The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has invited Indian startups and technology companies to develop 50 jam-resistant drones under a fast-track procurement initiative aimed at strengthening the Indian Armed Forces’ capabilities in contested electronic warfare environments. The programme focuses on building unmanned aerial systems (UAS) that can continue operating even when subjected to GPS spoofing, communication jamming, or other electronic attacks. The initiative aligns with the government’s push to expand indigenous defence manufacturing and foster innovation through startups under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) frameworks.
The requirement reflects lessons learned from recent conflicts, where electronic warfare has emerged as one of the biggest threats to drone operations. Modern battlefields increasingly feature GPS jamming, radio-frequency interference, and cyberattacks, making resilient autonomous drones a strategic priority for militaries worldwide.
DRDO Seeks Indigenous Jam-Resistant Drones
DRDO has invited proposals from Indian startups, MSMEs, and defence technology firms to design and develop 50 jam-proof drones capable of operating reliably in hostile electromagnetic environments.
The project aims to:
- Develop indigenous jam-resistant drone technology.
- Strengthen India’s electronic warfare capabilities.
- Reduce dependence on imported unmanned systems.
- Accelerate defence innovation through startups.
The selected companies are expected to design drones that maintain operational effectiveness even when communication or navigation systems are disrupted.
Programme Snapshot
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Requirement | 50 jam-resistant drones |
| Eligible Participants | Indian startups, MSMEs and defence technology companies |
| Objective | Develop indigenous electronic warfare-resistant drones |
| Focus | Secure navigation and communications in contested environments |
Why Jam-Resistant Drones Matter
Conventional drones often rely heavily on GPS signals and radio communication with ground stations.
During electronic warfare, adversaries may attempt to:
- Jam GPS signals.
- Spoof navigation systems.
- Disrupt communication links.
- Hijack drone control signals.
- Interfere with onboard electronics.
Jam-resistant drones are designed to continue missions despite these attacks through advanced navigation, secure communications, and autonomous flight capabilities.
Key Capabilities Expected
| Capability | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Anti-jamming communication | Maintain command and control |
| GPS resilience | Continue navigation during signal disruption |
| Autonomous flight | Operate with limited external communication |
| Secure data links | Protect against interception and cyberattacks |
| Electronic warfare resistance | Survive hostile electromagnetic environments |
Opportunity for India’s Defence Startup Ecosystem
The programme offers a significant opportunity for India’s rapidly growing defence technology sector.
Potential participants include:
- Drone manufacturers.
- AI startups.
- Robotics companies.
- Embedded systems developers.
- Electronic warfare specialists.
- Defence-focused MSMEs.
By involving startups, DRDO aims to accelerate innovation while shortening development cycles for next-generation military technologies.
Growing Importance of Electronic Warfare
Recent conflicts have demonstrated that electronic warfare has become one of the most effective ways to neutralize drones without physically destroying them.
Modern militaries are increasingly investing in:
- AI-powered autonomous drones.
- Anti-jamming navigation systems.
- Alternative positioning technologies.
- Secure satellite communications.
- Swarm drone technologies.
- Advanced electronic counter-countermeasures.
Developing indigenous expertise in these technologies is becoming a strategic priority for countries seeking greater defence self-reliance.
Boost for Aatmanirbhar Bharat
The initiative supports India’s broader defence manufacturing strategy by encouraging domestic development of advanced unmanned systems.
Expected benefits include:
- Increased indigenous defence production.
- Greater participation by startups in military procurement.
- Faster adoption of advanced drone technologies.
- Reduced reliance on foreign suppliers.
- Strengthened national security capabilities.
The programme also complements ongoing government efforts to create a globally competitive defence innovation ecosystem through public-private collaboration.
Looking Ahead
DRDO’s call for Indian startups to develop 50 jam-resistant drones highlights the growing importance of resilient unmanned systems in modern warfare. As electronic warfare becomes increasingly sophisticated, drones capable of operating despite GPS jamming, communication interference, and cyber threats will play a critical role in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and tactical missions. By turning to startups and domestic technology firms, DRDO is seeking to accelerate innovation while strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities.
Looking ahead, successful development of these jam-resistant drones could enhance the operational readiness of the Indian Armed Forces and create new opportunities for India’s defence technology ecosystem. The initiative also reinforces the country’s broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision by promoting homegrown innovation in one of the fastest-evolving segments of military technology, with the potential to support future exports of advanced unmanned aerial systems.
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