For decades, India’s defence technology narrative has been dominated by bulky procurement cycles, sluggish R&D, and a reliance on foreign imports. But the frontline of national security is shifting. Today, a new generation of homegrown defence-tech startups is moving from the sidelines to centre stage, building AI-powered drones, autonomous underwater vehicles, next-gen imaging systems, and battlefield-ready robotics.
This isn’t just a story about innovation. It’s about how agile startups are reimagining India’s security strategy, filling gaps left by traditional players, and positioning the country for a future where wars are fought as much with algorithms and unmanned systems as with boots on the ground.
Can India’s startups outpace legacy systems and carve a competitive edge in modern warfare?
Why Defence Needs Startups Now
India’s defence sector is notoriously complex. Long procurement timelines, rigid contracts, and dependence on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have often left the armed forces under-equipped for rapidly evolving threats.
Startups, by contrast, thrive on agility. They operate outside bureaucratic silos, iterate faster, and integrate cutting-edge AI, robotics, and data-driven systems into solutions that are often cheaper, scalable, and exportable.
The Ministry of Defence has noticed. Programs like Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and policy pushes like “Atmanirbhar Bharat” are actively nudging startups into the ecosystem. Already, over 600 defence-tech startups are engaged with iDEX, and several are forging direct partnerships with DRDO, the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Meet the Vanguard: Brands Rewriting the Playbook
Tonbo Imaging – Seeing the Battlefield Differently
Based in Bengaluru, Tonbo Imaging is redefining how soldiers see in low-visibility and combat conditions. Its thermal imaging systems, AI-powered vision devices, and fire-control solutions are already deployed across India’s borders. Tonbo’s system enable soldiers to detect threats in pitch darkness, fog, or smoke, which is critical for terrains like Ladakh or counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast.
Tonbo isn’t just supplying India. Its imaging tech has been exported to over 30 countries, putting Indian innovation on the global defence map.
NewSpace Research & Technologies – Drone Warfare Experts
If drones are the future of combat, NewSpace Research, also Bengaluru-based, is one of India’s most promising bets. They are building swarming drones, fleets of AI-enabled UAVs that can overwhelm enemy defences, conduct surveillance, and execute precision strikes.
The Indian Air Force has already inked contracts with NewSpace for swarm drone systems, and the company is closely working with DRDO to push drone warfare into the mainstream. In modern conflicts like Ukraine, drone swarms have proved decisive. NewSpace is making sure India doesn’t fall behind.
Optimized Electrotech – Eyes in the Sky
Surveillance is the backbone of modern security, and Optimized Electrotech, headquartered in Ahmedabad, is building advanced electro-optic solutions. Their long-range surveillance cameras and border monitoring systems can track threats across land and maritime zones with incredible accuracy.
Their flagship technology integrates seamlessly with both civilian and military systems, serving as a bridge between homeland security and battlefield intelligence.
Sagar Defence Engineering – Guardians of the Seas
India’s vast coastline is as much a security challenge as its borders. Enter Sagar Defence Engineering, a Pune-based startup creating unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs).
These maritime drones can conduct reconnaissance, patrol waters, and carry out search-and-rescue operations—all without risking human lives. The Indian Navy has already shown keen interest, with Sagar Defence’s systems undergoing trials for real-world deployment.
ideaForge – The Drone Unicorn
Perhaps the most recognisable name in India’s defence startup scene, ideaForge is a pioneer in UAV technology. Its SWITCH UAV, designed for high-altitude surveillance, is already being used by the Indian Army in Ladakh and other border areas.
In 2023, ideaForge became India’s first defence-tech unicorn after a successful IPO—proving that investor confidence is firmly behind the sector. The startup is also eyeing global markets, competing with established Western drone makers.
Big Bang Boom Solutions – Disruptive by Design
Chennai-based Big Bang Boom Solutions (BBBS) lives up to its bold name. From anti-drone defence systems to robotic surveillance platforms, BBBS focuses on asymmetric warfare technologies—neutralising threats before they materialise.
The startup was awarded ₹200 crore under the iDEX Defence India Startup Challenge for its AI-powered anti-drone technology, positioning itself as a critical player in safeguarding India against drone-led terrorism and smuggling operations.
Bridging the Gaps of Legacy Defence
What ties these startups together is not just innovation but their ability to solve problems legacy defence suppliers often overlook:
- Speed: Startups iterate prototypes in months, not years.
- Cost-effectiveness: Homegrown tech reduces dependence on expensive imports.
- Dual-use capability: Many systems, like surveillance drones, serve both civilian and military purposes.
- Export potential: Products from Tonbo, ideaForge, and Optimized Electrotech are already finding buyers abroad, boosting India’s defence exports.
Global Ambitions, Local Challenges
India exported defence equipment worth over ₹21,000 crore in 2023, a record high. Startups are increasingly part of that story, but challenges remain.
- Procurement hurdles – Startups often face long delays in converting pilot projects into bulk orders.
- Funding gaps – Unlike consumer-tech startups, defence tech requires patient capital and longer R&D cycles.
- Export restrictions – Strict global compliance regimes can slow down international deals.
Yet, as conflicts worldwide—from Ukraine to the South China Sea—underscore the importance of autonomous and AI-driven systems, India’s startups are uniquely positioned to ride the wave.
The Future Battlefield
Wars of tomorrow will be data-driven, unmanned, and relentless. Imagine:
- Drone swarms are disrupting enemy radars.
- Underwater robots are monitoring chokepoints in the Indian Ocean.
- AI-powered imaging devices are detecting insurgents before they strike.
This isn’t science fiction. It’s what India’s startups are building today.
Conclusion: The New Vanguard
India’s defence startups are not just tinkering on the sidelines; they are reshaping the country’s national security playbook. From Tonbo Imaging’s thermal vision to Sagar Defence’s maritime drones, these companies prove that innovation-first approaches can plug gaps left by traditional procurement systems.
The big question remains: Can they scale fast enough to outpace legacy systems and geopolitical threats?
If supported with the right policies, patient capital, and smoother procurement pathways, these startups could become India’s true defence vanguard—making the country not just self-reliant but a global leader in the future of warfare.
