- The anti-drone industry has rapidly emerged as one of the fastest-growing sectors in defence and security.
- India, particularly Bengaluru, has become a major hub for the anti-drone industry, with companies like Zen Technologies, Indo Wings, and Grene Robotics (Indrajaal) leading innovations in AI-powered anti-drone systems.
- There is strong policy support for this in the form of India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives that encourage indigenous anti-drone technologies, reducing reliance on imports.
- India’s anti-drone industry is rising on the back of security imperatives, government support, and indigenous innovation.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones have made waves across the world in the last few decades with their wide-ranging military and civilian uses. Subsequently, as a response to the misuse in warfare, terrorism, smuggling, and challenges surrounding civilian airspace safety, the anti-drone industry has rapidly emerged as one of the fastest-growing sectors in defence and security. The global anti-drone market is projected to grow from USD 3.88 billion in 2026 to USD 16.45 billion by 2034. North America dominated the anti-drone market with a market share of 30.86% in 2025. The current Indian anti-drone market is estimated to be worth around USD 60 million (Rs. 500 crores) in 2026.
India, particularly Bengaluru, has become a major hub for the anti-drone industry, with companies like Zen Technologies, Indo Wings, and Grene Robotics (Indrajaal) leading innovations in AI-powered anti-drone systems. The state-owned Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is also a key player in this endeavour.
The Karnataka government is actively supporting the anti-drone industry through its Aerospace & Defence Policy 2022–2027. The Karnataka government has held multiple rounds of talks with the Drone Federation of India and other stakeholders to shape drone and anti-drone regulations and incentives.
The Indian Army’s Technology Roadmap for Unmanned Aerial Systems and Loitering Munitions, a 50-page blueprint released this year, outlines long-term requirements for drones, anti-drone systems, and loitering munitions, giving startups and academia clear direction for R&D. There is strong policy support for this in the form of India’s “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives that encourage indigenous anti-drone technologies, reducing reliance on imports.
In the realm of defence procurement, anti-drone systems are being prioritised for border security, especially against threats from Pakistan and China. Drones have been used to smuggle weapons and narcotics across the India-Pakistan border, prompting the urgent deployment of anti-drone systems. Airports in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru have reported drone incursions, raising concerns about passenger safety – thus highlighting the urgent need for effective anti-drone systems. Rogue drones can be weaponised, making them a serious risk to military bases and important urban centres. Power plants, government buildings, and communication hubs are also vulnerable to drone surveillance and attacks.
Key anti-drone system technologies emerging in India are AI-driven detection: Radar, RF analysis, and optical sensors integrated with machine learning; Neutralisation methods: RF jamming, GPS spoofing, directed-energy weapons, and kinetic interceptors; Autonomous defence networks: Indrajaal’s layered AI system offers real-time tracking and neutralisation across large areas.
Challenges in India’s anti-drone sector relate to regulatory hurdles, i.e. use of jamming/spoofing technologies must comply with civilian communication laws; cost barriers, i.e. advanced systems remain expensive for widespread deployment; rapid drone innovation, i.e. counter-drone systems must evolve quickly to keep pace with new UAV designs; and civilian adoption, i.e. balancing security with privacy concerns in urban environments.
Military demand will dominate in India, but commercial adoption (airports, stadiums, corporate campuses) is rising. Indian firms are positioning to supply anti-drone systems to countries in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
India’s anti-drone industry is rising on the back of security imperatives, government support, and indigenous innovation. With Bengaluru as the epicentre, India is not only securing its skies but also preparing to become a global exporter of anti-drone technologies. The next decade will likely see India transform from a reactive buyer of anti-drone systems into a proactive innovator shaping the future of aerial defence.
John Guite is Coordinator-Corporate and International Relations, Malla Reddy (Deemed to be) University, and Vinay Bhushan is an Assistant Professor at Bangalore University. Views expressed are the author’s own.
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