- Ankit Mehta: The Visionary Who Made Drones Synonymous with India’s Defence Tech
By Sangeeta Saxena
New Delhi. 12 April 2025. When Ankit Mehta and his co-founders began tinkering with a hovercraft as engineering students at IIT Bombay two decades ago, they couldn’t have imagined they were about to redefine India’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry. What began as a college project would evolve into ideaForge, the country’s foremost indigenous drone manufacturer — a name now etched into India’s defence and security framework. It was a remarkable journey of how a garage-style innovation became the bedrock of India’s drone revolution — bridging academic curiosity, national security needs, and technological excellence.
Up to 70% of ideaForge’s drone components are manufactured in India, including critical systems such as autopilots, payloads, motors, and communication modules, while the software is developed entirely in-house. This level of indigenization ensures enhanced security, mission-critical reliability, and reduced dependency on imports. The company’s drones, such as the Q4i and Q6 V2, are Type Certified, while the SWITCH UAV is certified Fit for Military Use by DGCA and DGQA, meeting the highest standards required for defence and industrial applications.
ideaForge’s technology stack includes domestically designed autopilot systems, secure communication modules, flight and navigation systems, and payloads, all protected by features like end-to-end encryption, frequency hopping, and secure communication protocols. The UAVs also incorporate AI-driven navigation systems that operate independently of GNSS, making them resilient in contested environments. With over 81 patents, the company continues to lead R&D in drone technology, building a secure and self-reliant local supply chain. While the Indian Armed Forces remain the largest clients, ideaForge’s drones are now also deployed in sectors such as security, disaster management, infrastructure, mining, and public services. Additionally, the company offers support for custom integrations, further broadening the scope of UAV applications. ideaForge remains committed to fully localizing UAV technology and advancing India’s journey towards self-reliance in drone manufacturing.
The idea took flight at IIT Bombay when Mehta and his friends sought to build a hovercraft. That curiosity quickly evolved into something more ambitious — a quadcopter drone, long before such terms were commonplace. By 2006–07, they had built the world’s smallest and lightest autopilot, weighing just 8–9 grams — lighter than the then Guinness World Record of 16 grams. Their breakthrough came when they helped IIT Bombay win top honours alongside MIT in an Indo-US defence competition, catching the eye of the then India’s defence ecosystem.
The 26/11 Mumbai attacks became a defining moment for Mehta and his team. That day made them realise how drones could change the game in providing real-time intelligence. It wasn’t just about innovation anymore—it was about national preparedness. Soon after, ideaForge converted its lab prototype into a market-ready UAV. By 2010, they had made their first sale to a state police special task force — years before UAVs became synonymous with military operations.
From supplying to the DRDO to equipping India’s armed forces, paramilitary units, and police with ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) drones, ideaForge rapidly evolved. With a presence across India and a subsidiary in San Antonio, USA, ideaForge is now a global player. While manufacturing remains firmly rooted in India, the company actively works with partners across Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America.
ideaForge is a leading name in dual-use drone manufacturing, serving both military and civil needs. On the defence side, drones are deployed for base protection, border surveillance, and high-altitude reconnaissance. On the civil front, the company plays a vital role in geospatial mapping under initiatives like Swamitva Yojana, helping map over 660,000 villages for land ownership rights. Their drones also monitor India’s coasts to detect illegal fishing and encroachment, and even assist in urban safety and traffic management.
The recently launched NETRA 5 represents a technological leap for India’s UAV ecosystem. Designed for electronic warfare environments, it features un-jammable navigation, AI-powered onboard computing for real-time decisions, and the ability to carry payloads of up to 2 kg. With operational resilience in temperatures from -30°C to +55°C, NETRA 5 is tailored for both extreme terrains and urban warfare.
ideaForge’s commitment to Make in India is unwavering. From autopilot systems to communication software, battery packs, and charging systems — most components are designed and manufactured in-house.
Their UAVs have been built to withstand all temperature conditions and terrains. From very low temperature at high altitudes like Ladakh to very high temperatures like Thar desert, their UAVs have been utilized in extreme settings, meaning they have encountered some of the most severe environments in the world.
Looking ahead, ideaForge aims to drive the drone revolution deeper into civilian domains while continuing to power India’s defence forces with innovative solutions. Ankit Mehta’s journey from a student with a screwdriver and a vision, to the CEO of one of India’s most influential drone companies, is the stuff of entrepreneurial legend. ideaForge exemplifies what Make in India is meant to be — not just local manufacturing, but local innovation with global relevance.
As India prepares for a future where drones play an increasingly central role in security, governance, and infrastructure, ideaForge stands at the helm — battle-tested, future-ready, and unwavering in its mission to protect and empower.
