India is developing a cutting-edge defense system capable of striking adversaries without relying on Rafale fighter jets, BrahMos missiles, or Agni-5 missiles. With the growing use of drones in modern warfare, DRDO is preparing a specialized drone system that cannot be jammed by any enemy. This technology is being referred to as “Close Formation Flying of Multiple Drones.”
DRDO has invited domestic startups and small companies to develop this new military drone technology. Under the project, a swarm of 50 drones will be designed to fly in extremely close formation — maintaining a gap of just half a meter between each other — while flying with precise accuracy to avoid collisions. This initiative has been launched to encourage indigenous innovation, given the increasingly critical role drones are expected to play in future warfare. Past operations have demonstrated the effectiveness of drones for surveillance and precision strikes against enemy targets, which is why India has decided to build a secure, indigenous drone network for the future.
The drone swarm will include one master drone that controls the remaining 49 drones. This master drone will receive commands from ground control and relay them to the rest of the swarm. Despite flying at a distance of just 500 millimeters from one another, all drones must maintain precise positioning without any collisions.
These drones are designed to operate in extremely harsh environments, including high-altitude mountainous regions, and are built to remain stable even in strong winds. They are also being engineered to continue functioning even if enemies attempt to jam communication systems. Each drone must be capable of carrying a payload of two kilograms and must be ready for flight within five minutes of being unpacked. The battery must last at least 30 minutes and be capable of recharging within just 15 minutes.
As part of the Make in India initiative, at least 70 percent of the components used in these drones must be manufactured domestically, with no imported parts permitted. DRDO will fund 90 percent of the project’s cost. The selected company must deliver a working model within one year. Following testing and evaluation, the company must hand over 50 drones, along with their batteries and software, to DRDO within 24 months. This project is expected to significantly strengthen India’s military capabilities.