- India’s Indigenous ( Nano ) Miniature Drones all set to take over Chinese Rivals
By Sangeeta Saxena
Leh, Ladakh. 23 September 2024. Miniature drones have emerged as vital assets in modern warfare, particularly for high-altitude and border management operations. As India confronts security challenges along the Indo-China and Indo-Pak borders, the deployment of drones in these hostile and rugged terrains is becoming increasingly significant. Saurabh Mota, CEO of Sudarshan Techno Solution Pvt Ltd, introduced the company as a pioneer in advanced micro UAV technology. He emphasized how their drones are engineered to meet the specific demands of high-altitude warfare, offering unparalleled surveillance, reconnaissance, and portability. These capabilities were discussed during his interaction with Aviation & Defence Universe (ADU) at Himtech 2024 in Leh.
“We have developed a 1 kg micro UAV, capable of flying at altitudes of up to 4,500 meters above sea level, with an endurance of 45-50 minutes and an operational range of 5-7 kilometers. This drone can operate in both tethered and non-tethered modes. It is equipped with a combination payload, including two electro-optical (EO) cameras and one infrared (IR) thermal camera. The IR camera offers a 640×512 thermal resolution, while the optical camera has a 48-megapixel resolution for high-definition imaging. This portable UAV serves as a man-pack solution, ideal for Counter Insurgency Operations and rapid deployment surveillance due to its lightweight and portability. It is also engineered for extreme weather conditions, functioning in temperatures ranging from +55°C to -20°C, making it suitable for high-altitude warfare operations in challenging terrains,” stated Saurabh Mota.
Incorporated in 2018, Sudarshan Techno Solution Pvt Ltd (STSPL) is at the forefront of cutting-edge drone technology, specializing in delivering innovative, client-centric solutions across various industries. Led by founders Saurabh Mota and Pratik Gala, STSPL has developed a strong reputation for its advanced product development, particularly in collaboration with government projects. One of the company’s key undertakings includes the design, development, and manufacture of Munitions (WARHEAD) for Loitering Munitions (LM) and Logistic Drones. STSPL remains committed to revolutionizing operational efficiency and safety through state-of-the-art drone systems, ensuring optimal solutions for mission-critical applications. With a focus on the latest technologies, the company continues to advance infrastructure enhancement and protection through its robust, indigenous designs and strategic partnerships.
These drones deliver real-time situational awareness in remote and hard-to-reach border regions. With their portability and rugged design, they are optimized for rapid deployment in scenarios requiring quick intelligence gathering and surveillance. As tensions persist along India’s borders, these drones are essential for maintaining constant vigilance and ensuring security without putting human lives at risk in extreme environments.
Saurabh Mota added, “Our current drone model is tested to operate reliably at -20°C, a capability we’ve successfully validated in-house. We are also addressing multiple No-Cost, No-Commitment (NCNC) requirements, which include upcoming trials at altitudes up to 5,000 meters above sea level. These trials will evaluate drone performance for both Counter Insurgency Operations (CI Ops) and active border management by the armed forces. In support of this, we have developed a ruggedized IP67 military-grade 7-inch display, which has passed a one-meter drop test to ensure durability in challenging conditions
With its compact and man-portable design, these UAVs are ideal for operations in rugged, high-altitude environments like the Ladakh region. Equipped with advanced thermal and optical imaging, they can detect enemy activity even in extreme conditions, providing crucial intelligence that enhances operational efficiency for ground forces. Saurabh Mota elaborated, “We are now collaborating with central paramilitary forces for No-Cost, No-Commitment (NCNC) trials. The more trials we conduct, the more awareness we create, showcasing the true capabilities of the product. Additionally, we are integrating AI-based detection systems into the UAVs, leveraging radiometric cameras that provide heat signatures, even through dense foliage. Our payload is particularly unique, with the current camera weighing less than 100 grams.
For our Nano UAV, it weighs 154 grams, with a range of 2 kilometers and an endurance of 35 minutes, designed for GPS-denied environments. The combo payload weighs just 20 grams and includes a 320×256 thermal sensor and a 48-megapixel electro-optical (EO) camera. We’ve tested the Nano at altitudes of up to 3,500 meters, where it maintained 25 minutes of endurance. It also features obstacle avoidance for indoor and outdoor operations.
Our system includes integrated, swappable radios with communication ranges from 2 kilometers to 8 kilometers. We also offer a ruggedized IP67 military-grade display, which has passed a one-meter drop test and is waterproof and dustproof. The system is fully customizable, including the joystick, allowing users to configure each button as needed. We are also in the process of obtaining EMI/EMC and MilGrade certifications to ensure compliance with military standards,” Saurabh informed.
Indian defence firms have been working diligently to develop drones specifically designed to meet the operational needs of the Indian Armed Forces. Sudarshan Techno Solutions has manufactured and assembled highly portable micro UAVs that provide essential surveillance capabilities at high altitudes, where extreme temperatures and rugged terrain pose significant challenges to traditional operations. These drones are equipped with state-of-the-art combo payloads, featuring two Electro-Optical (EO) cameras and one Infrared (IR) camera, enabling real-time surveillance even in harsh conditions. Their portability and flexibility, with the ability to operate in both tethered and non-tethered modes, make them ideal for rapid deployment in critical operations.
Saurabh Mota elaborated on their strategy for entering foreign markets, explaining that while it is a key objective, their focus is on solidifying their presence in the Indian market, where demand for these drones is strong. “Chinese drones still dominate in terms of portability,” he said. “That’s why we introduced the concept of providing an alternative with no Chinese components at all in our drones. We guarantee that 100% of our drones are free of Chinese content. We source most of our components from the US and indigenous markets. Our ‘Make in India’ component is 65%, and we plan to gradually increase that. Currently, more than 80% of our GCS hardware is made indigenously,”** he proudly stated.
India’s indigenous miniature drones have become game-changers in border management and high-altitude warfare. With their advanced technology, portability, and robustness, they are set to replace Chinese drones in critical military and surveillance operations. As India continues to bolster its defense capabilities, particularly in high-altitude regions, drones developed by innovators like Saurabh Mota are becoming essential. With their rugged design, advanced technology, and versatility, these miniature drones are reshaping the future of surveillance and reconnaissance, providing the Indian Armed Forces with vital tools for ensuring security and readiness in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
