2 weeks ago
India's ₹72,000 crore drone pipeline boosts three defence stocks
India's army wants lots of drones because future battles may have thousands of drones flying at once.
To get ready, the Indian government is spending a huge amount of money on drones and machines that stop enemy drones.
This is great news for Indian companies that make drones.
Three companies are especially excited: Zen Technologies, IdeaForge, and Astra Microwave.
Zen Technologies makes machines that catch and stop bad drones.
IdeaForge makes drones that can watch, swarm, and even act like kamikaze planes.
Astra Microwave makes radars and electronic tools that find drones in the sky.
These companies are getting big orders from the government.
Their money numbers are going up, which makes investors happy.
So, when a country buys lots of drones, the companies that make them can grow and earn more money.
India's Defence Acquisition Council approved ₹52,000 crore in drone capital acquisitions, including jet-powered kamikaze systems.
The government has planned drone acquisitions worth ₹20,000 crore through the Fast Track Procurement route.
Zen Technologies won counter-drone contracts worth about ₹800 crore and holds a ₹1,239 crore order book.
IdeaForge's Q1FY27 revenue jumped 436.7% year-on-year to ₹68.6 crore as EBITDA turned positive.
Astra Microwave secured a ₹2,205 crore contract from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the Uttam radar subsystem.
- Who
- Indian defence drone manufacturers Zen Technologies, IdeaForge Technology, and Astra Microwave Products
- What
- India is ramping up drone and counter-drone procurement, creating a ₹72,000 crore opportunity for defence companies
- Where
- India
- When
- 2025-2026, with Q1FY27 financial results reported as of 30 June 2026
- Why
- Modern warfare is moving toward large drone swarms, driving demand for drones, interceptor drones, and counter-drone systems
Key facts
- Drone pipeline
- ₹72,000 crore
- Fast Track drone acquisitions
- ₹20,000 crore
- DAC drone approvals
- ₹52,000 crore
- 2025 defence packages
- ₹1.46 lakh crore (₹67,000 crore in August, ₹79,000 crore in December)
- Field commander UAV purchase limit
- Up to ₹5 crore per unit
- Zen Technologies order book
- ₹1,239 crore as of 30 June 2026
- IdeaForge Q1FY27 revenue
- ₹68.6 crore, up 436.7% year-on-year
- Astra Microwave HAL contract
- ₹2,205 crore for Uttam radar Active Antenna Array Unit
Quotes
Astra Microwave Products
Indian aerospace and defence firm
“In July 2026, Astra conducted successful technology demonstrations in Jalandhar for a proprietary Vehicle-Mounted Anti-Drone System.”
financialexpress.com
“It is applying for Blue UAS certification, a prerequisite for winning defence and federal contracts in the US.”
financialexpress.com









