The Indian drone market is going through rapid change, with over 300 players operating across various segments. This boom has made the market dynamic yet volatile, driven by changing regulations, rising competition, and a growing demand for indigenous capability. Under the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, the industry has witnessed a robust push towards local innovation and manufacturing. However, challenges persist, particularly around supply chain dependencies for critical components, regulatory compliance, and technology standardisation.
Some of these companies are primarily focused on the defence segment, offering platforms for reconnaissance, surveillance, logistics, and loitering munitions. Key players such as NewSpace Research and Technologies, IdeaForge, Raphe MPhibr, and TATA Advanced Systems have built strong reputations backed by advanced R&D infrastructure and a growing order book from the Indian Armed Forces. Some of their systems have even begun attracting international interest for exports. However, a recent Ministry of Defence (MoD) investigation revealed the presence of Chinese-origin components in some military drones from other manufacturers, prompting a renewed emphasis on secure, indigenous supply chains.Amidst all this dynamism, a new generation of defence drone makers is making waves.
Dynauton Systems being one of the most prominent. A subsidiary of Dynamatic Technologies, an established aerospace structures manufacturer with global clients including HAL, Boeing, Airbus, and Dassault Aviation, Dynauton leverages decades of aerospace engineering experience. The company recently made headlines with the unveiling of a series of military-grade drone systems, including a loitering munition, a long-range VTOL UAV, a surveillance quadcopter, and a tethered drone. These platforms are designed with performance, modularity, and strategic autonomy as core priorities.In contrast to much of the industry, which remains reliant on Chinese imports for core drone components, Dynauton Systems has adopted a more localised approach. Many components are developed in-house, while others are sourced domestically from across India. Only a small number of critical parts, such as lenses for electro-optical systems and internal combustion engines from Australia, are imported, ensuring the systems remain free of Chinese components and compliant with the Ministry of Defence’s indigenous content guidelines.
Major Products Offered by Dynauton Systems
1. Kaatil – Loitering Munition : Kaatil is a catapult-launched, jet-powered loitering munition designed for high-speed, agile operations. Unlike traditional tandem-wing designs, Kaatil resembles a scaled-down fighter jet, built for manoeuvrability and precision. The airframe, constructed from fibreglass, carbon fibre, and Kevlar, results in a lightweight 12 kg system capable of carrying explosive warheads for anti-armour, anti-material, and anti-personnel missions.Powered by a micro-jet propulsion system, Kaatil can reach speeds of 600 km/h and operate in GNSS-denied environments using optical autonomous navigation. Key Features:
- Resistance to electronic warfare and jamming Top, side, and reverse attack capabilities.
- Terrain-following low-altitude flight in mountainous regions.
- Integration with anti-drone sensor suites.
- Compatibility with existing loitering munition platforms.
- Advanced Command & Control (C2) system for threat evaluation and weapon assignment.
2. Cheel – Long-Endurance VTOL UAV : Cheel is a long-range, high-endurance Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) UAV, purpose-built for tactical reconnaissance and surveillance. It features a 30x optical zoom day camera and a Medium-Wave Infrared (MWIR) payload for all-weather operations.With a 15 km range, six-hour endurance, and service ceiling of 5,000 metres, Cheel operates at speeds exceeding 100 km/h. It is well-suited for communication relay, forward observation, and target acquisition, with an operational temperature range from -20°C to 60°C. Its modular design allows for rapid deployment in the field with tool-free assembly.
3. Kaava – Tactical Surveillance Quadcopter : Kaava is a compact quadcopter developed for rapid surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Designed to function in both day and night scenarios, it comes equipped with a 30x optical zoom and 10x digital zoom EO/IR payload.Weighing just 3.8 kg, Kaava can take off from altitudes as high as 4,500 metres, fly for up to one hour, and operate within a 5 km radius. It provides a maximum visual range of up to 3 km, making it highly effective for tactical ground operations in rugged or high-altitude environments.
4. Patang – Tethered Surveillance Drone : Patang is a tethered drone system based on the Kaava platform, designed for sustained operations where continuous power is critical. It is equipped with a 100-metre tether cable weighing 2 kg, enabling extended surveillance without the limitations of battery life.Ideal for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), perimeter security, and high-stress defence missions, Patang is capable of providing uninterrupted day and night aerial coverage in both civilian and military scenarios.
