India Makes A Leap Into Advanced Warfare With UAV & Robotics Startups: Key Growth Drivers In 2025

The global warfare landscape is continuing to evolve with modern complexities rising at a fast pace. The global conflicts like the Israel-Palestine and Russia-Ukraine wars highlight the critical role of emerging technologies in making new methods and warfare tools available. Technologies like UAVs, counter-drone systems, and robotics prove to be indispensable due to their speed, precision and adaptability. Subsequently, this not only redefines how a nation safeguards itself but also bolsters its operational readiness and maintains a competitive edge.

Considering India’s landscape, the defence witnesses diverse challenges and strategic priorities to further strengthen itself on a global stage. Hence, innovative defence technologies such as the use of robotics and UAVs are growing at an unprecedented pace. As a result, the country’s defence sector is gradually realising the need to invest in futuristic technologies to increase the effectiveness of the country’s military forces and enhance its sovereignty. These technologies are redefining the war approach, forming new strategies based on tech-based weapons and tools.

UAVs: The Eye In The Sky
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones are critical in revolutionising modern defence strategies. In combat operations, first-person view (FPV) drones can enable precise surgical strikes that minimise human risk and maximise operational impact. Additionally,  drones with surveillance capabilities equip forces with real-time monitoring of borders, tracking movements and gathering intelligence insights which are critical to a nation’s security. With the changing dynamics of warfare, UAVs revolutionise mission planning with advanced data mapping and analytics, enabling terrain analysis that supports both defensive and offensive strategies. Since it eliminates human interventions, these tools operate effectively in inaccessible or high-risk zones, providing nations like India with a tactical advantage in not only addressing threats but also strengthening their forces.

Use Of Counter-drones In Neutralising Emerging Threats
The widespread adoption of UAVs offers a strategic advantage to forces. At the same time, it also requires diligence in mitigating the risks posed by hostile drones. Counter-drones are critical in neutralising emerging threats. These tools play a pivotal role in safeguarding sensitive infrastructure from malicious drone attacks. In addition to neutralising hostile drones, they provide effective response mechanisms for enhancing the security of critical assets. India needs an effective mechanism to address vulnerabilities posed by UAVs and by investing in the capabilities of counter-drones, it can reinforce its leadership in defence power.

The Emergence Of Robotics In Defence
Indeed, the use of robotics and automation in defence demonstrates the advancement of defence to the next level. Robotics have moved from a futuristic essential to become integral to modern defence operations. Autonomous aerial vehicles, ground-based robots and even autonomous underwater robots enhance operational efficiencies as they reduce human involvement in high-risk and hostile territories. The advancements in robotics showcase a diligent integration of technology innovation and safety that reduces risks while improving outcomes on the battlefield.

Commercial Potential Beyond Defence
With significant capabilities, defence-technology startups face challenges due to the perception that their technology is limited to military applications. This deters venture capitalists (VCs) from investing in the sector. On the contrary, the majority of Indian defence startups are recognised for their dual-use applications. These technologies can serve both defence and commercial purposes as a roadmap to overcoming such barriers.

For instance, UAVs are recognised for their potential in the battlefield as well as in agriculture for precision farming, infrastructure monitoring, logistics and disaster management. Similarly, counter-drone systems can be instrumental in protecting civilian infrastructures like airports, seaports, oil refineries and other critical commercial sites from unauthorised aerial activity. This concept of dual application strengthens the defence ecosystem while also bringing forth economic opportunities and building an economically inclusive ecosystem for startups.

The Need For Strategic Funding
Despite the strategic imperative of defence technology, investments in the sector remain disproportionately low compared to other new-age industries such as fintech and consumer technology. According to a recent report by EY-FICCI, the Indian drone and its components manufacturing industry has the potential to reach USD 23 billion by 2030, growing at a 35 per cent CAGR between 2025 and 2030. Though as per this report Defence sector will be the largest sector, the funding for defense-tech startups still lags far behind their potential.

This underinvestment poses a significant challenge and restricts the growth of UAV and robotics startups in India. To bridge this gap, it is essential to create a supportive ecosystem to provide access to funding, mentorship, and infrastructure for innovation.

What’s Next?
As technology continues to proliferate deeper in the defence sector, the future of warfare will be defined by its superiority. Hence, investing in UAVs, counter-drone systems, and robotics no longer remains a matter of national security but a strategic imperative for economic and technological leadership, especially for a country like India with expansive forces that also share borders with other nations. To capitalise on next-gen tech tools, collaborative efforts from policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs can help address investment disparities, paving the way for a thriving defence-tech ecosystem.