Hyderabad-based Grene Robotics launches India’s first anti-drone defence system

HYDERABAD: Hyderabad-based Grene Robotics commenced the demonstration of its weapons platform ‘Indrajaal’, the world's only autonomous wide area anti-drone, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS), in Hyderabad.

The demonstration marked a pivotal moment in the history of Indian defence technology as the anti-drone system is capable of protecting against micro, mini, small, large and extra-large drone classifications, revolutionising security measures for a safer future.

The exclusive unveiling was done in the presence of the Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh, (Retd.) said that Indrajaal marked a groundbreaking advancement in defence technology that would reshape the security landscape for defence, public infrastructure, and private sectors. “This system will not only enhance our nation's self-reliant military capabilities but also address the urgent need of the hour to defend against the increasing threat of drones,” he added.

Wg Cdr MVN Sai (Retd), Director Grene Robotics and co-founder, Indrajaal said: " Indrajaal will demonstrate its unparalleled capabilities in fighting modern threats effectively.”

Lego blocks like layered technology

Indrajaal’s design principle leverages a Lego block-like combination mechanism of 12 unique layers of technology powered by artificial intelligence for the first time in the world. The system can detect, identify, classify, track, and swiftly neutralize threats in real-time, making it a formidable force in the field.

With 360-degree protection, Indrajaal can cover vast areas of up to 4000 sq. km and provide a comprehensive framework to defend against all classifications and levels of autonomous drones.

Indrajaal can protect against all categories of ariel threats as low Radar Cross Section (RCS) threats to medium and high-altitude long-endurance UAVs, loitering munitions, smart bombs, rocket showers, nano and micro drones, and swarm drones.

The Escalating Drone Threat

Over the past two years, India has encountered a significant surge in hostile UAV activity. The country’s defence forces have detected several attempts to drop weapons, money and narcotics into the country. Intelligence reports have indicated that Pakistan's spy agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), is actively planning to employ drones for smuggling weapons and narcotics into India's Jammu and Punjab regions.

Pakistan's drone missions appear to have three primary objectives, surveillance of Indian security forces, narcotics smuggling, and distributing weapons within Indian territory. Disturbingly, there has been a steady increase in drone-based weapon deliveries, with 76 cases reported in 2020, 109 in 2021, 266 in 2022, and approximately 200 cases in 2023 alone. This upsurge emphasises the urgent need for heightened vigilance and the implementation of effective countermeasures to safeguard national security.

Limitations of current deployments

Grene Robotics pointed out that existing stand-alone systems are not scalable and not even practical and jamming enemy drones can only delay, but cannot stop an attack. Moreover, laser weapons require a large non-moving target and there is no countermeasure to mitigate a swarm attack.

The existing defence-based anti-UAV systems are inadequate against drone threats as they rely on physical sightings. They can’t protect large defence bases, areas like the National Capital Region of New Delhi which contains several critically important buildings, international borders, and other sensitive regions against UAVs, low RCS missiles, smart munitions and swarm drones.

Indrajaal mitigates all of the above limitations by combining 12 proprietary technologies for the first time in the world.