Discover how Indian defence startups are revolutionizing self-reliance with indigenous UAVs, autonomous systems, and advanced defence tech gaining global recognition.

Auto-published by Growwh – a smarter way to scale content and marketing. Want to know more? Chat with us.

Indian Defence Startups Leading the Charge in Atmanirbhar Bharat

India’s defence manufacturing industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation, shifting away from heavy reliance on foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) towards self-reliance. Catalyzed by visionary government policies like the Positive Indigenisation Lists (PILs) and innovative programs such as Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), Indian startups are pioneering cutting-edge defence products that meet rigorous military standards and compete globally.

From Import Dependence to Indigenous Excellence

Once dependent on imported avionics, propulsion modules, radars, and targeting equipment, India has progressed to developing over 4,500 defence components indigenously under PILs. This paradigm shift opens vast opportunities for tech-focused startups to develop intellectual property-owned subsystems that are defence-grade and export-worthy.

Ready to take your brand to the next level?
At Growwh, we help startups and emerging brands grow faster with powerful content, creator collaborations, and tech solutions.
Explore what we do →

The iDEX program, driven in partnership with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), has funded more than 200 startups innovating in vital sectors such as autonomous high-altitude drones, unmanned maritime vessels, AI-based counter-drone systems, and indigenous jet engines and marine turbines. In this ecosystem, startups are creating specialised aerospace composites, precision missile structures, military-grade textiles, and hardened communication electronics tailored to defence needs.

Government Backing and Strategic Alliances

• ₹20,000 crore allocated for advanced Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAVs
• ₹2,500 crore for the Navy’s unmanned maritime platforms
• ₹2,000 crore Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme targeting drone sub-systems and software

Beyond domestic growth, alliances like the newly formed Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) between India and the US are fostering co-development of counter-UAV and maritime drone technologies along with joint IP creation, enhancing India’s footprint in the global defence technology market.

Top Indian Defence Startups Making Global Waves

Raphe mPhibr: Indigenous UAVs and Aerospace Components

Founded in 2016 in Noida, Raphe mPhibr specialises in fully indigenous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and aerospace components integrating carbon fibre composites, internal combustion engines, and electronics. The startup developed India’s first military-grade autopilot and UAV-specific internal combustion engine, utilising advanced design tools like Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform for rapid product development.

Its portfolio includes the mR10 Drone Swarm used in Operation Sindoor, the high-altitude logistics mR20 drone, the Bharat man-portable surveillance drone, and the X8 maritime patrol UAV — these have collectively logged over one million kilometres with Indian forces. Recently, Raphe secured $100 million in Series B funding led by General Catalyst to scale aircraft design, engineering, and manufacturing.

SSS Defence: Small Arms and Military Optics

Bangalore-based since 2017, SSS Defence engineers and manufactures small arms, tactical optics, and ammunition for armed forces and law enforcement. With production operations in India and the US, their product range includes assault rifles, sniper rifles such as the Viper (.308/7.62x51mm) and Saber (.338 Lapua Magnum). The Saber alone secured a $50 million export order in 2024.

SSS Defence is a key contributor to the Indian Army’s AK-47 upgrade program and supplies the Manohar M72 carbine to police forces, positioning itself strongly in both domestic and global defence markets.

Sagar Defence Engineering: Maritime and Aerial Unmanned Systems

Mumbai-based Sagar Defence Engineering develops unmanned marine surface vehicles for surveillance, drones for reconnaissance and rescue, and autonomous weaponised boat swarms. Its standout offerings include India’s first maritime spotter drone and the Varuna personal aerial vehicle designed for urban mobility and emergency medical evacuation.

Equipped with proprietary autonomous command systems and cloud connectivity, Sagar Defence products support diverse operations from border security to disaster management. The company holds a Japanese patent for autonomous landing technology and has garnered international attention at forums like the United Nations and the Global Cleantech Summit.

Big Bang Boom Solutions (BBBS): AI and Electronic Warfare Innovations

Founded in Chennai in 2018, BBBS leverages capabilities in AI, electronic warfare, nanotech, and UAVs to deliver advanced solutions like hybrid combat armour, anti-drone defence systems, and naval deterrents. Its products serve all Indian armed forces and have begun exports as of January 2025.

Highlighted by awards such as the SKOCH Award, BBBS’s innovations include electronic warfare systems and a 360° advanced battle interface showcased at global defence expos, reflecting India’s growing expertise in electronic and information warfare domains.

EyeROV: Autonomous Underwater Robotics

Founded by IIT alumni in Kochi, EyeROV specialises in autonomous and remotely operated underwater vehicles used for inspection, 3D reconstruction, and real-time monitoring in defence, oil and gas, and infrastructure sectors. The EyeROV TUNA, India’s first commercial underwater drone, is being deployed by DRDO and Mumbai Port Trust for detailed underwater inspections.

ideaForge: Pioneer in Tactical UAVs

Established in 2007, Mumbai-based ideaForge is a leader in the design, manufacture, and deployment of UAVs for defence, security, and industrial applications. Boasting over 80 patents and 725,000 plus operational flights, ideaForge drones offer long-endurance, thermal imaging, AI-enabled analytics, and proprietary autopilot systems.

Notably, ideaForge was the first Indian entity to develop vertical take-off and landing UAVs in 2009 and continues as a top global supplier of dual-use UAVs.

Skyroot Aerospace: Private Indian Rocket Launch Innovators

Founded by former ISRO scientists in Hyderabad, Skyroot Aerospace develops the modular Vikram rocket series to serve the small satellite launch industry. Skyroot marked a historic first in November 2022 with its ‘Vikram S’ launch, becoming India’s first private startup to reach outer space.

Backed by $95 million in funding, Skyroot is advancing reusable rocket technology to enable rapid, cost-effective space access, strengthening India’s position in commercial spaceflight.

Atmanirbhar Bharat: The Future of Indian Defence Technology

Thanks to strategic government initiatives and the relentless innovation of Indian startups, the nation’s defence ecosystem is evolving into a globally competitive hub. These startups demonstrate that India is not only replacing imports with indigenous designs but is also emerging as a formidable exporter of advanced defence technologies.

With continual investments, collaborations, and cutting-edge R&D, Indian defence startups are redefining the country’s capabilities in aerospace, autonomous systems, electronic warfare, and marine robotics — powering India’s journey towards self-reliant and globally recognized defence manufacturing.

Source

This article was auto-generated as part of a smart content campaign. Curious how we do it? Chat with us to learn more about our content automation systems.