Bhubaneswar: In a major boost to India’s defence technology landscape, Noida-based startup IG Drones, founded by five Odia engineers, has secured a patent for the country’s first indigenous defence drone simulator. The simulator, unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Defence Expo in 2022, has now officially become the first homegrown platform to receive intellectual property protection in this category, marking a significant stride towards self-reliance in critical defence systems.
Developed to train personnel across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and paramilitary forces, the simulator replicates highly complex real-world combat scenarios including GPS-denied zones, high-risk combat zones, and coordinated swarm missions. The patent signifies India’s first claim in a domain long dominated by imported simulation systems, often supplied by foreign defence technology providers.
@IGDrones secures India’s first patent for a Defence Drone Simulator, marking a historic leap in honourable PM Shri @narendramodi Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision🇮🇳
A proud moment in India’s journey toward self-reliance & tech sovereignty
#AatmanirbharBharat #DefenceTech #MakeInIndia pic.twitter.com/CfCAnR780Q— IG Drones (@IGDrones) July 3, 2025
The simulator leverages artificial intelligence frameworks, real-time physics engines, and dynamic terrain mapping to create immersive virtual environments. This eliminates the need for expensive and risk-prone real-world training drills and enhances the preparedness of forces for modern-day warfare. According to the developers, this system provides a cost-effective and secure solution for both training and combat strategy simulations.
First ‘Made in India’ defence drone-simulator bags patent!
This will replace our reliance on imported systems and give realistic, cost-effective training to our armed forces.
Another major boost to Aatmanirbhar Bharat!https://t.co/nyeA92GqPk
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) July 3, 2025
“This new-age military tool stands as a proud testament to Bharatiya innovation. It eliminates dependence on foreign technologies and offers a secure, cost-effective alternative,” Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, the CEO and founder of IG Drones told The New Indian Express. He further added that the patent was not just a technological milestone but a matter of national pride.
Major General (Retd) RC Padhi, senior vice-president of IG Drones, said the achievement represented a new chapter in India’s defence preparedness. “This system ensures that our personnel are battle-ready for next-generation warfare,” he said, as quoted by The New Indian Express.
IG Drones’ contributions in Operation Sindoor
The simulator’s impact has already been seen during Operation Sindoor, where IG Drones deployed various indigenous unmanned systems including VTOL, FPV, and kamikaze drones for surveillance, mapping, and targeted strikes. The successful patent not only legitimises the firm’s technological leadership but also aligns with the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the defence sector.
From the soil of Odisha to the skies of Operation Sindoor! 🇮🇳
Grateful to Hon’ble Minister Shri @dpradhanbjp ji for recognising @IGDrones contribution to India’s defence. This moment belongs to every Odia dreamer and every Indian innovator.This is Bharat’s moment. Jai… pic.twitter.com/acv9YPG9MX
— Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya (@bodhi_ig) May 24, 2025
With this development, IG Drones has emerged as a key player in India’s expanding indigenous defence tech ecosystem. As the firm continues to innovate in the UAV space, the patented simulator is likely to become a cornerstone in modernising how India trains and prepares its armed forces for future warfare.
