💨 Abstract

The Indian Army has ordered Rs 168 crore worth of solar-powered UAVs from Bengaluru-based startup NewSpace Research & Technologies (NRT) for border surveillance. This is the first deployment of solar-powered surveillance UAVs by the Indian armed forces, replacing battery-powered and tethered drones. The contract, part of the Defence Ministry’s iDEX program, highlights the growing role of Indian startups in meeting military needs through local R&D.

Courtesy: Snehesh Alex Philip