IG Drones Delivers First Batch of Indigenous JAGA UAVs to Indian Army
Noida-based startup IG Drones has achieved a milestone in India’s defense self-reliance by delivering the first batch of its indigenous JAGA unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to the Indian Army on October 17, 2025. These drones, developed under the Make in India program, are tailored for high-altitude surveillance and logistics in challenging terrains like the Himalayas.
The JAGA UAV features a modular design with a 5-hour endurance, payload capacity of up to 10 kg, and operational ceiling of 20,000 feet. Equipped with AI-driven autonomy, thermal imaging, and secure communication links, it can perform intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and supply drops in extreme weather conditions. The initial batch includes 20 units, with plans for scaling to 100 by next year.
This delivery follows successful trials in Ladakh, where the drones demonstrated resilience against sub-zero temperatures and high winds. IG Drones, backed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), aims to reduce dependency on foreign imports like Israel’s Heron drones. The project cost ₹50 crore, with 80% indigenous components sourced from Indian MSMEs.
Army officials hailed it as a game-changer for border operations, enhancing real-time situational awareness amid ongoing tensions with neighbors. Future variants may include armed capabilities for precision strikes.
Keywords: IG Drones, JAGA UAV, Indian Army, high-altitude operations, Atmanirbhar Bharat, surveillance drones, Ladakh trials, Make in India
