Top 5 Defence Startups Shaping India’s Military Future (2025 Edition)

India’s journey towards military self-reliance is defined by dramatic technological leaps—and at the heart of this transformation are its cutting-edge defence startups. These trailblazers are delivering everything from drones and AI surveillance to specialized anti-drone weaponry, making a real impact on the field and for the nation’s security.

1. ideaForge

Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Focus: UAVs & Drones

Renowned as India’s homegrown drone giant, ideaForge supplies advanced UAVs to the Indian Army and paramilitary forces for border management, surveillance, and high-altitude logistics. Their platforms—rugged, reliable, and made for Indian conditions—are now seeing global export orders.
Key Solution: Real-time surveillance and mapping in extreme terrains, force multiplier in high-altitude patrols, anti-infiltration, and disaster response.
Why it matters: Trusted in India’s toughest missions; listed on the stock market; active contributor to frontline and global innovation.

2. Big Bang Boom Solutions (BBBS)

Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Focus: Anti-Drone Defence & Armoured Vehicle Tech

BBBS delivers the award-winning Vajra Sentinel System—an anti-drone platform that detects, tracks, and neutralizes enemy drones (used extensively in Operation Sindoor 2025). Innovations also include see-through composite armor and the Yudhikshana AR Vision Suite for armored vehicles.
Key Solution: Counters drone threats at borders and sensitive installations, enhances survivability in armored ops, and ensures faster and safer force movement.
Why it matters: Products are safeguarding soldiers and strategic assets as drone warfare rapidly evolves.

3. Tonbo Imaging

Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Focus: Electro-Optical & Night Vision Systems

Tonbo’s global award-winning tech equips Indian forces with advanced night sights, thermal imagers, and multi-spectral optics—providing “dragonfly vision” and robust targeting in zero visibility.
Key Solution: Enhances 24×7 border vigilance, increases safety and precision for soldiers, tanks, ATGMs, UAVs, and reduces casualties in counter-insurgency and cross-border missions.
Why it matters: Global traction, Indian roots, and a decisive performance edge in the most challenging operations.

4. NewSpace Research & Technologies

Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Focus: Swarm Drones & Autonomous Systems

Pioneering intelligent drone swarms, NewSpace works on autonomy, mission planning, and “kamikaze” drones for the Indian Air Force and Army. Their collaborative UAS tech supports both surveillance and precision strike missions.
Key Solution: Rapidly neutralizes border intrusions, artillery, and supply convoys. First-mover for scalable force multipliers delivering superior response time and force safety.
Why it matters: India’s vanguard in next-gen unmanned combat and force autonomy.

5. EyeROV (IROV Technologies)

Location: Kochi, Kerala
Focus: Underwater Drones & Maritime Surveillance

EyeROV delivered India’s first indigenous underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. Their drones are used for underwater inspection, ship repairs, search and rescue, and dam safety.
Key Solution: Enables rapid, affordable, and indigenous underwater asset management, security at ports, oil rigs, and critical infrastructure.
Why it matters: Reduces import dependency, strengthens coastal security, and supports India’s blue economy.

Why These Startups Stand Out

• Each solves urgent, practical problems faced by India’s armed forces, delivering on-field solutions and operational impact.
• They champion the spirit of “Made in India,” blending innovation with relevance to subcontinental defence challenges.
• Their growth unlocks global exports, new R&D collaborations, and positions India as a rising defence innovation hub.

Conclusion:

India’s defence startups—fueled by policy, innovation, and patriotic commitment—are rewriting the rules of military modernization, field readiness, and global defence leadership. Their trailblazing achievements are not just innovations, but a strategic bulwark for India’s future.