India has taken a significant step in bolstering its defense capabilities by awarding a contract valued at 461.9 million rupees ($5.2 million) to Paras Anti-Drone Technologies. This contract, facilitated through the Ministry of Defense, focuses on supplying advanced anti-drone systems intended for the armed forces.
The systems ordered include sophisticated jammers designed to detect and neutralize hostile unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in sensitive areas, particularly high-security and border zones. By employing radio frequency jamming and signal disruption techniques, these systems are engineered to intercept unauthorized drones that could pose surveillance or offensive threats. Notably, the technology has a wide frequency coverage, ranging from 400 MHz to 6 GHz, allowing it to be tailored to effectively counter diverse threats in various operational environments.
Paras CEO Ashutosh Baheti remarked that this deal marks the company’s first major domestic contract. He emphasized the dual nature of drones today, describing them as both an opportunity and a threat. Baheti further stated, “Our focus remains on delivering effective, Made-in-India solutions that strengthen the armed forces and safeguard national security.”
In light of growing aerial threats along its borders, particularly due to reported drone incursions in Jammu and Punjab involving the use of drones for smuggling weapons, narcotics, and surveillance equipment from across the Pakistan frontier, India has been ramping up its investment in anti-drone technologies. The Indian Air Force has integrated similar counter-drone systems into its airbase defenses, while the Border Security Force has established dedicated anti-drone units along the Pakistan border.
These counter-drone technologies were also deployed during major national events, such as the 2023 G20 Summit and Republic Day celebrations, where jammers and sensors played crucial roles in ensuring security.
The Indian government is actively promoting the adoption of domestically developed anti-drone technologies, encouraging collaboration between public-sector firms and private startups. This initiative is part of the broader “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) campaign, which aims to diminish reliance on foreign suppliers and foster a sustainable domestic defense ecosystem.
