Drones for Defence
DataQuest|November 2024
The Indian government's policy reforms and regulatory framework have played a crucial role in fostering growth in the defence manufacturing sector. The "Make in India" initiative, coupled with the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2016, has encouraged domestic manufacturing and indigenization. The government's decision to raise the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) cap to 74% under the automatic route has further facilitated foreign collaborations.
Aanchal Ghatak
Drones for Defence

Vipul Joshi, CFO of ideaForge, highlights the transformative impact of the “Make in India” initiative on India’s defence manufacturing sector, particularly in UAV technology. By developing advanced drones domestically, ideaForge has reduced dependence on imports, promoted local innovation, and strengthened India’s defence capabilities, paving the way for the country’s emergence as a global defence leader. Excerpts:

How has the Make in India initiative influenced the defence manufacturing sector, particularly in the UAV space?

The Make in India initiative has significantly accelerated the growth of the defence manufacturing sector, particularly in the UAV space, by fostering innovation, self-reliance, and the development of indigenous technologies.

Our journey at ideaForge began in 2004 when a group of passionate IIT Bombay alumni, including Ankit Mehta, Rahul Singh, Ashish Bhat, and myself, joined forces in the innovation cell. Driven by a commitment to cutting-edge technology, we established one of India's foremost drone companies in 2007.

We have been proudly building indigenous UAV technology long before a supportive ecosystem emerged. From developing India's first quadrotor drone to creating high-altitude, all-terrain UAVs, we have consistently led the charge in domestic innovation.

As part of our commitment to “Make in India for the World,” we are scaling our operations to meet global demands. Our advanced UAV solutions enhance operational capabilities both domestically and internationally, positioning India as a key player in the global drone technology market. ideaForge has grown from our roots in the innovation cell to establish manufacturing facilities in Mumbai, where we meticulously design and produce advanced drone solutions that meet the demanding requirements of our customers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM DATAQUESTView all
Rewriting Insurance with Data and Foresight: Lessons from Pramerica's CTO
DataQuest

Rewriting Insurance with Data and Foresight: Lessons from Pramerica's CTO

As insurance companies pivot from operational reliance on technology to embedding it as a core strategy, Pramerica Life Insurance leads by example. CTO Sunil Jain discusses how innovations in AI, cloud platforms, and data frameworks are not only solving current challenges but shaping the future of the industry.

time-read
7 mins  |
January 2025
Is AI on Batman's side or on Joker's side?
DataQuest

Is AI on Batman's side or on Joker's side?

Also, spoiler alert. Your body-guard is not your body double. Leave the couch. In an age where Cyber-insurers also look at security maturity before they undertake new enterprises, where security fatigue is a bitter reality, where the grey-matter of LLMs can easily be conned by benign chatter, and where AI is turning as much into a Robin as into a Harley Quinn - and with equal speed and probability - whose side is AI on? Philippa Cogswell, Managing Partner, Unit 42, Asia Pacific & Japan, Palo Alto Networks helps us unravel these complex plot lines.

time-read
7 mins  |
January 2025
Counting on Quantum - A quick peek inside India's Refrigerator
DataQuest

Counting on Quantum - A quick peek inside India's Refrigerator

The menu of tomorrow's IT courses would be completely changed by what's currently being marinated in quantum computing trays. From cryptography to heavy simulations to huge AI workloads to Cloud. Let’s open the doors of this cold, but busy, kitchen area for a minute to get a sense of what Indian ice-boxes are up to.

time-read
6 mins  |
January 2025
Digital Twins: The Blueprint Becomes the Blue-eyed Boy
DataQuest

Digital Twins: The Blueprint Becomes the Blue-eyed Boy

Ever wondered why people in offices are seen more around the photocopier or printer rather than their computers?

time-read
9 mins  |
January 2025
The Cloud Advantage: Infor's CloudFueled Growth in Asia-Pacific
DataQuest

The Cloud Advantage: Infor's CloudFueled Growth in Asia-Pacific

Senior VP Terry Smagh highlights Infor’s growth, cloud adoption, and AIdriven operations. With major investments in India, including an R&D hub and upcoming data center, Infor leads in innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 2025
How Onix is Making AI Accessible to All Business Teams
DataQuest

How Onix is Making AI Accessible to All Business Teams

Niraj Kumar, CTO of Onix, shares his extensive experience in IT and cloud technology to explore how the convergence of data, cloud infrastructure, and AIL is driving digital transformation. He discusses the critical role of data context, ethical practices, and security in ensuring that AI delivers its full potential across all levels of an organization.

time-read
6 mins  |
January 2025
Arka Fincap Redefining Finance Through Technology
DataQuest

Arka Fincap Redefining Finance Through Technology

Arka Fincap has embraced technology to streamline its operations and enhance customer experiences. By utilizing tools such as low-code platforms, automation, and cloud infrastructure, the company has significantly reduced processing times and operational costs. This approach has enabled efficient loan processing, seamless fintech integrations, and data-driven decision-making. Arka's journey highlights the role of technology in modernizing financial services while balancing scalability, compliance, and customer-centricity.

time-read
5 mins  |
January 2025
AWS is assuring that the AI that's being built is reliable, responsible and trustworthy
DataQuest

AWS is assuring that the AI that's being built is reliable, responsible and trustworthy

At AWS re:Invent 2024, Las Vegas Dr. Angela Shippy, Senior Physician Executive at AWS, discusses how technology is reshaping healthcare-from generative AI to predictive analytics and secure cloud solutions.

time-read
5 mins  |
January 2025
AI in Multiplexes, the 'cold open' scene is here
DataQuest

AI in Multiplexes, the 'cold open' scene is here

Would AI remove all the walls in, and around, Cinema; or would it create very personalized boxes for every viewer? Here's a peek. No Spoilers here. But some Stingers for sure.

time-read
5 mins  |
January 2025
e-Red Tape, virtual CAs and wait-and-watch hoops - a look at India's digital Selfie
DataQuest

e-Red Tape, virtual CAs and wait-and-watch hoops - a look at India's digital Selfie

Bertram D’Souza, Chief Product Innovation Officer, Protean eGov Technologies Ltd. helps us to unpack how India’s digital stacks, digital goods, fast interfaces, real-time financial lanes and tech-driven tax administration shine and where they do/can falter if we ignore some tough, but practical, questions.

time-read
6 mins  |
January 2025