By Sangeeta Saxena
Leh, Ladakh. 23 September 2024. In a country like India where high altitude warfare is the normal condition for Army to operate in and soldiers to fight in, drones have proven to be highly efficient in such challenging terrains along the India-China and India-Pakistan borders in Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Operating in these regions, where human surveillance and traditional military operations are hindered by harsh weather, rugged landscapes, and extreme altitudes, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have emerged as critical assets. These drones provide real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, offering enhanced situational awareness and reducing the risks to personnel. Their ability to operate in adverse conditions, combined with their precision in monitoring hostile activities, patrolling borders, and conducting search and rescue missions, has significantly strengthened defence capabilities in these sensitive areas.
At the recently held HIMTECH 2024 at Leh, Himanshi Mehlawat, Business Development Manager for Anadrone Systems Private Limited explained, “We are basically here representing four products. All are unmanned systems. Our expertise is in autonomous systems. One of the systems was last month tested and successfully demonstrated in high altitude at 4400 meters. That is approximately 14000 feet. So basically what happens is since our drones are jet powered drones, there should have been multiple issues in initiating the engines and batteries at this altitude, but we have successfully initiated the launch from that altitude. And our drone flies up to 30000 feet.”
Anadrone is a manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), specializing in developing state-of-the-art drone technology for defence and aerospace applications. Established with a mission to deliver cutting-edge, versatile, and reliable UAV solutions, Anadrone has quickly risen to prominence by producing high-performance drones tailored to meet the demands of modern military and aerospace sectors. From reconnaissance to combat support, Anadrone’s UAVs are engineered to enhance operational efficiency, tactical capabilities, and mission success.
She stated, “ Here are showcased two drones that are under development called Abhay and Shakti. Shakti is a kamikaze drone. It has a long endurance of 6 to 7 hours and it has the operational range of 500 kilometers. So it’s not a small kind of UAV, it’s a big UAV with 30 kgs of explosive payload. So basically Corps of Artillery here is kind of interested and we will be collaborating. Our head office is in Gurgaon and manufacturing plant is in Odisha. We are a 20 year old company. We are the premier design manufacturer and supplier of aerial target systems for more than a decade to all services.”
Anadrone’s UAVs have become essential assets in defence operations across the globe. Their drones are designed to perform critical tasks such as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), as well as target acquisition and combat support. By providing real-time data from the battlefield, Anadrone’s UAVs enable military forces to make informed decisions, improve situational awareness, and execute precise strikes with minimal collateral damage. Additionally, their drones are equipped for electronic warfare, countermeasures, and strategic monitoring, offering a significant edge in modern warfare.
Despite of the event targeting the Army, Anadrone proudly displayed the Shikra which has secured a significant contract with the Indian Navy in March 2024 for the supply of 100 of these high-speed aerial target systems. This falls under the IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed & Manufactured) category. The SHIKRA target systems will be employed by the Indian Navy for vital training drills intended to hone their air defence capabilities. With the help of these fast drones that mimic actual threats, the Navy can efficiently practise engaging and taking down enemy aircraft. Because of the SHIKRA’s manoeuvrability and performance, the Navy will be prepared to defend India’s territorial waters and airspace in a realistic training environment. “Anadrone’s Surface Target Systems give naval and coastal defence drills a realistic feel. These technologies offer naval personnel an immersive training environment by simulating a range of marine dangers. Our Surface Target Systems are characterised by precision and flexibility, offering maximum readiness for problems encountered at sea. And it will be as effective for the other forces too,” reiterates Himanshi.
In the aerospace domain, Anadrone has been a driving force behind the integration of UAVs into air traffic management and space exploration. Their drones are utilized for satellite communications, atmospheric monitoring, and cargo delivery in remote areas. The aerospace applications of Anadrone’s technology also extend to disaster relief, search and rescue missions, and environmental assessments, where drones provide rapid and cost-effective solutions to complex challenges. Their commitment to innovation ensures that Anadrone remains at the forefront of aerospace advancements, pushing the boundaries of UAV utility.
With over 1,000 high-speed aerial target drones delivered over 300 missions for the Indian Defence Forces and weapon makers, Anadrone brings a wealth of experience to the table. Modern facilities in Gurugram and Odisha, along with a planned expansion in Bhubaneshwar, give the organisation the capacity to manage mass manufacturing. The company is unique in that it was the first to obtain contracts under the IDDM for Aerial Target Systems, Make in India, and Make II government projects. Anadrone’s remarkable 80% indigenous content rate and its ambitious goal of reaching 95% by the end of 2024 are further indications of its dedication to indigenisation and precisely coincide with the Atmanirbhar Bharat agenda.
Anadrone has forged strategic partnerships with various defenc
e organizations, aerospace companies, and governmental agencies. These collaborations have enabled the company to expand its global footprint and contribute to multinational military exercises and aerospace projects. By tailoring its drones to meet the specific needs of different countries and regions, Anadrone has earned a reputation for versatility and adaptability in diverse operational landscapes. “Anadrone Systems Pvt Ltd was founded in 2004 and has grown to become one of India’s leading suppliers and manufacturers of unmanned systems. The company has a proven track record of providing the Indian defence forces with approximately 1,000 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). With the help of a strong supply chain, Anadrone has successfully completed over 250 missions, demonstrating its dedication to portfolio diversification and national self-reliance. Anadrone, a major contributor to the realisation of Atmanirbhar Bharat, has deliberately broadened its scope to encompass aerial drones that are developed domestically,” reiterated Himanshi.
With a long history based on a dedication to national security, the business has become a vital part of India’s defence capabilities. The goal of Anadrone is to supply creative, dependable, and vital technologies that will give the Indian Armed Forces unparalleled capabilities. The objective of the company is to maintain the defence forces’ leadership in global security by optimising their operational efficiency and effectiveness through the utilisation of state-of-the-art technologies.
“Our Aerial Target Systems are a real-life illustration of precision and consistency. Air Defence troops have significant training opportunities with these systems, which are designed to imitate real-world threats. Our Aerial Target Systems ensure that your forces are prepared for any eventuality, ranging from intricate weapon-specific augmentation to realistic flying patterns. We take great pride in being able to provide Target Operational Services, which are comprehensive support services designed to ensure seamless integration and smooth operation. Our commitment to fulfilling the evolving needs of the armed forces is demonstrated by our bespoke solutions, which encompass everything from strategy and execution to data analysis,” she proudly re-stated.
MRO services are also given by the company in conjunction with state-of-the-art facilities, which ensures unmanned system lifetime and optimal performance by providing prompt and accurate solutions that ensure the unmanned systems’ operating efficiency and dependability. She said, “ Anadrone Systems is distinct in that we manage assembly and manufacturing together. Ground Control Stations (GCS), launchers, GSE, and the drones themselves all function together seamlessly under one roof. This ensures strict quality control, efficient assembly processes, and the delivery of fully integrated, high-performance defensive products. Our Odisha site is a shining example of innovation in the defence technology sector, with constant improvements to our manufacturing techniques and ongoing investments in cutting-edge technologies. Our unwavering commitment to precision and quality in every component helps to further establish Anadrone Systems as a leader in the unmanned aerial systems sector.”
Himanshi ended on the note, “ Anadrone is a leader in drone production for military and aerospace applications thanks to its unwavering commitment on innovation, performance, and dependability. The company continues to shape unmanned aviation’s future with a variety of cutting-edge UAV technologies that meet the needs of both military and civilian applications. Anadrone is dedicated to remaining on the bleeding edge of technology as the defence and aerospace industries develop, providing UAV systems that improve security, safety, and operational success globally.”
