Archive · 21 Jan 2026
Indian Army to deploy robotic firefighters at ammunition depots
The Indian Army is buying 18 firefighting robots to keep their ammunition depots and other dangerous places safe.
These robots can work in very hot and smoky areas where people might get hurt.
They have cameras to help people see where the fire is and put it out.
The robots were made by a company in India and will start being used in April.
They will help firefighters by going into the most dangerous parts first, so people don't get hurt.
The robots will have a warranty and maintenance for a long time to make sure they work well.
This is part of India's plan to make more things for their military in their own country.
Indian Army signed a ₹62 crore contract for 18 firefighting robots with Swadeshi Empresa Pvt Ltd.
Robots designed to operate in extreme conditions, including intense heat and toxic smoke, to protect human firefighters.
Deployment scheduled to begin in the first week of April at ammunition depots and fuel storage sites.
Robots equipped with optical and thermal cameras for real-time video feeds to identify hotspots and hidden flames.
Procurement aligns with India's Make in India programme and supports defence start-ups through the iDEX initiative.
- Who
- Indian Army, Swadeshi Empresa Pvt Ltd
- What
- Procurement of 18 firefighting robots
- When
- Contract signed on 13 January, deployment starts in April
- Where
- Ammunition depots and other high-risk military installations across India
- Why
- To enhance safety and reduce risks to human firefighters in hazardous environments
- Contract Value
- ₹62 crore (£5.7m; $7.2m)
- Number of Robots
- 18
- Manufacturer
- Swadeshi Empresa Pvt Ltd
- Deployment Start Date
- First week of April
- Warranty Period
- 2 years
- Maintenance Period
- 5 years
- Initiative
- Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)