Create a free starter account, or log in.

Get access to four free articles per month, as well as our Decisive Edge Newsletters and Daily News Bulletin.

Email Address

Password

Forgot your password? Reset by clicking here

Create a Password

[[ req.met ? '✓' : '•' ]] [[ req.text ]]

Re-enter Password

Passwords do not match

First Name

Last Name

Country

Confirm your account

Please enter the four-digit pin below that has been emailed to you.

Didn't receive the pin yet?

This pin expires in 20 minutes.

[[ error ]]

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Stay informed with Shephard's award-winning journalism. Unlock unlimited access and in-depth analysis with a corporate or individual subscription.

Explore your options here

Indian Army turns on the Switch for mini-UAVs

14th January 2021 - 03:03 GMT | by Gordon Arthur in Christchurch

RSS

India needs UAVs to help monitor its troubled border, and a domestic design will help fill that role with its mini-UAV design.

The Indian Army’s ongoing search for mini-UAVs has reached fruition, with the selection of a domestically-developed hybrid VTOL solution from Mumbai-based ideaForge.

The type chosen by the Indian Army is the Switch, which weighs less than 6.5kg and has a 2.6m wingspan. It can be launched at altitudes of up to 4,000m above mean sea level and has a maximum operating altitude 1km above that.

The newly signed contract for an undisclosed number of systems is worth approximately $20 million, probably amounting to triple figures of these man-portable UAVs. IdeaForge claims that its design has ‘the highest time on target

Already have an account? Log in

Want to keep reading this article?

Author

Gordon Arthur

Gordon Arthur was the Asia Pacific editor for Shephard Media. Born in Scotland and educated …

Read full bio

More from Uncrewed Vehicles

Jammer resistant drone designs spark search for countermeasures

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has driven another stage of evolution for drones and the counter measures to defend against them.
L3Harris launches Amorphous software for control of uncrewed platforms

The new Amorphous software is a universal controller that would allow a single operator to control a swarm of “thousands” of uncrewed systems, from drones to underwater platforms.
ideaForge unveils new UAVs at Aero India 2025

India UAV supplier ideaForge has launched the Netra 5 and Switch V2 drones at Aero India 2025, boasting of enhanced endurance, AI-driven autonomy and improved operational capabilities.
Shaping the future of defence: What 2025 holds for the global drone market

The UAV market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with innovations in technology and battlefield applications driving demand across military sectors. From the battlefields of Ukraine to NATO exercises and beyond, drones are transforming how wars are fought and supported.
Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system

Launched at AUSA in October, the company’s multi-stream video codec is attempting to bring a new lease of life to drone technology through its AI accelerator.
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments

Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.