DRDO aiming at developing Indian Integrated Combat Aerial Systems by mid-2040s: Official

COIMBATORE: The Defence Research and Development Organisation is aiming at developing Indian Integrated Combat Aerial Systems (IICAS) by the mid-2040s, said a senior DRDO official on Saturday. “Our goal is to develop a network of combat aircraft supported by loyal wingman drones and advanced unmanned aerial systems,” said G Sankar, project director of the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) under the DRDO.

Speaking at the Drone Industry Conclave 2025 in Coimbatore, Sankar emphasised the importance of indigenous software development and data encryption to secure drone communications from adversarial threats.

He stressed the need for stronger collaboration among academia, industry and research institutions to achieve India's goals in drone technology.

He said TAPAS (Tactical Airborne Platform for Aerial Surveillance) is a testament to India’s growing capabilities in indigenous drone technology. He said TAPAS - Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone can fly for over 20 hours and operate beyond the line of sight using satellite communication.

Sankar addressed the challenges of operating drones in GPS-denied environments and the need for advanced navigation systems like terrain contour matching and star-based guidance systems. “In a world where GPS signals can be jammed, we need robust, alternative navigation solutions,” he added.

The event was organised by Kumaraguru College of Technology in collaboration with KCIRI, Forge and the Aeronautical Society of India. It brought together industry leaders, researchers and students to explore innovations, challenges and opportunities in the drone sector.

In his inaugural address, Peter Langford, CEO of Avironix Private Limited, Chennai, praised India’s proactive approach to drone regulation, particularly the Drone Rules 2021 and the ban on DJI, the global leader in drone manufacturing. “The DJI ban was a resounding success, fostering indigenous innovation and setting the stage for India to become a global leader in drone technology,” he noted.

“While there’s no shame in using components from other countries, we must focus on developing our own software stacks, firmware and electronics to ensure data security,” he added. Langford highlighted the growing market for drone components, which presents significant opportunities for Indian manufacturers.

Discussing the challenges unique to India, Langford mentioned the impact of climatic conditions and market affordability. “Motors overheat faster here, batteries have fewer recharge cycles, and dust degrades performance. We need to design drones tailored to these conditions,” he said.

He stressed the need for creating affordable solutions for the Indian market, citing the example of agricultural drones. “A farmer in India doesn’t need a 60-litre drone; they need smaller, more affordable options,” he remarked.