IG Defence's fixed-wing tactical drone granted patent (Photo: IG Defence)
New Delhi: IG Defence has secured a patent for its fixed-wing tactical unmanned aerial system (UAS), marking a significant step in strengthening India’s modern battlefield capabilities across surveillance, precision strike and terminal engagement roles.
Designed for real-world combat conditions, the indigenous fixed-wing tactical drone can carry a warhead payload of up to 5 kg and offers extended endurance with a minimal logistical footprint. The platform is intended for rapid deployment in high-intensity and time-sensitive operational environments.
Over the years, IG Defence has built a strong reputation as an IP-led Indian defence technology company, with a consistent focus on designing, developing and validating its systems domestically.
From securing patents for advanced defence simulators to deploying indigenous drone platforms during live operations such as Operation Sindoor, the company has aligned its innovations closely with actual battlefield requirements rather than demonstration-only capabilities.
The newly granted patent adds to IG Defence’s growing portfolio of home-grown defence technologies and reflects its approach of translating research and intellectual property into reliable, field-ready solutions for the armed forces.
As modern warfare becomes faster, more complex and increasingly technology-driven, operational demands are evolving rapidly. Threats now span multiple domains, requiring quicker decision-making cycles, enhanced situational awareness and intelligent use of unmanned systems. IG Defence’s patented fixed-wing tactical drone has been developed with these realities in mind.
The system enables forces to detect, track and engage targets with high precision while significantly reducing risk to personnel on the ground. In contested environments, its ability to gather intelligence and execute swift responses can prove decisive. Its lightweight design allows for easier transportation and rapid deployment, even in challenging terrain.
With its low logistical requirements, the platform is well suited for missions where speed, accuracy and adaptability are critical.
Commenting on the patent grant, Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, Founder and CEO of IG Defence, said, “This patent represents another important milestone in our journey to build indigenous defence technologies meant for real operational use, not just demonstration.”
“We have consistently focused on creating intellectual property in critical areas -- from defence simulators to unmanned systems tested in live environments. This fixed-wing tactical drone has been developed keeping the realities of modern conflict firmly in mind,” he added.
“Our objective is to provide the armed forces with reliable tools that enhance situational awareness, reduce risks to soldiers and deliver consistent performance under demanding conditions. This is our contribution to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and to building defence capabilities India can truly rely on.”
Air Commodore R N Gaekwad (Retd), Advisor, IG Defence, said modern battlefields demand faster decisions, often based on incomplete information.
“Platforms that extend the eyes and reach of commanders without placing soldiers in harm’s way are becoming indispensable,” he said. “This patented system combines surveillance and strike in a single unmanned platform, delivering tangible operational value. As conflicts become increasingly multi-domain and technology-centric, systems like this will play a growing role in operational planning and execution.”
