From Local Assembly to Core Technology: Engineering India's Next-Gen Defence UAVs
Mr. Radha Krishnan, Founder and President of Detroit Engineered Products (DEP), was featured in Voice&Data, a CyberMedia publication, in a feature examining the growth of India’s indigenous defence drone ecosystem. The article explores the growing role of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in India’s defence sector and the advancements taking place across flight systems, sensors, artificial intelligence, geospatial intelligence and mission critical software.
In the feature, Mr. Krishnan shares his perspective on how indigenisation has evolved from local assembly to the development of critical technologies within India, including flight control systems, mission software, sensors, electronics and propulsion. While some gaps remain, he noted that the ecosystem is becoming deeper and more capable each year. UAVs are also moving beyond traditional surveillance and reconnaissance roles, increasingly supporting targeting, communications and data driven missions.
The feature highlights growing investment in technologies beyond the airframe, including autonomous navigation, AI driven decision making, secure communications, edge computing and resilient software. Advanced sensors, propulsion systems, semiconductors and secure communication links continue to be important areas for further localisation. It also examines how simulation, GeoAI and extreme condition testing are transforming UAV development. These technologies enable engineers to evaluate performance, durability and survivability earlier in the development cycle, helping reduce dependence on physical prototypes and accelerate design validation.
With more than two decades of expertise in CAE driven engineering, simulation and virtual validation, DEP supports the development of next generation unmanned aerial platforms. Its capabilities span airframe design, structural optimisation, system integration, embedded electronics and validation, helping aerospace and defence organisations move from concept to deployment. As India continues to strengthen its indigenous defence capabilities, DEP remains committed to supporting aerospace and defence programmes through integrated engineering solutions.
Read the full article: https://depusa.com/images/media/from-local-assembly-to-core-technology-engineering-indias-next-gen-defence-uavs/voice-and-data-pr-sept-2026.pdf
