India has the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world, and in recent years, it has also emerged as a key player in defense innovation.
Over the past 5 – 6 years, the country has witnessed a rapid rise in defense-tech startups, fostering a growing ecosystem dedicated to advanced military solutions.
A significant shift occurred in February 2018 when the Ministry of Defense introduced the draft Defense Production Policy.
This policy set ambitious targets—tripling the defense sector’s turnover to ₹1.75 lakh crore and increasing defense exports nearly 15 times to ₹25,000 crore by 2025.
A crucial aspect of this initiative was encouraging innovation through startups, a move that many initially viewed with skepticism.
Today, as evolving geopolitical challenges demand stronger security solutions, homegrown defense-tech startups are stepping up with groundbreaking advancements.
From AI-powered drones and marine robotics to advanced electro-optics and swarm warfare solutions, these companies are redefining India’s defense capabilities and positioning the country as a key player in global defense technology.
Here are 10 defense tech startups making a significant impact in this space.
- Planys Technologies
Founded in 2015 by IIT Madras alumni Tanuj Jhunjhunwala and Rakesh Sirikonda, Planys Technologies is a Chennai-based defense-tech startup specializing in marine robotics, non-destructive testing (NDT), and AI-driven underwater inspections.
Its autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) provide real-time, high-precision data for defense, maritime security, and infrastructure monitoring.
With a strong foundation in research and technology, Planys has developed 10 proprietary products and completed over 350 projects across five countries.
Its autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and robotics-driven solutions provide real-time, high-precision data for critical decision-making.
Backed by over 30 patents, the startup integrates AI-powered analytics with advanced inspection systems to enhance operational efficiency in challenging and restricted environments.
The company has raised $8 million to date, including a $4 million Series A round being the latest fund raise in 2024.
- NewSpace Research & Technologies
Sameer Joshi founded NewSpace Research & Technologies (NRT) in 2018.
Based in Bengaluru, the aerospace startup specializes in next-generation unmanned systems, developing advanced drones and aeronautical solutions for global markets.
The company focuses on defense, telecommunications, disaster relief, and environmental monitoring.
NRT designs and manufactures industrial UAVs, collective robotics, AI modules, and GPS-denied navigation systems.
Its drones are capable of supporting communication and earth observation over distances of 5–20 km, with operational durations ranging from days to months.
With dynamic payload-swapping capabilities and AR/VR integration, they can adapt to both military and civilian missions.
To date, NRT has raised $73.2 million across 10 funding rounds, including a $430K Series B round in 2024.
- Grene Robotics
Grene Robotics is a multinational B2B/B2G autonomous robotics company specializing in AI-driven aerial and ground solutions for the defense sector.
Founded in 2008 by Kiran Penumacha, the company has invested over a decade in research and development, pioneering unmanned systems that enhance operational efficiency, security, and automation.
Out of all products in the productline Indrajaal, the world’s first autonomous wide-area Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS).
Designed to neutralize aerial threats across all drone categories—micro, mini, small, large, and extra-large—Indrajaal marks a significant breakthrough in India’s defense capabilities.
Grene Robotics has secured a total equity funding of $4.2 million across five funding rounds. The company’s latest funding round, an Angel investment of $2 million, was raised on January 1, 2022.
- Zeus Numerix
Zeus Numerix is a Mumbai-based defense technology company specializing in simulation and modeling solutions for military equipment and operations.
Founded in 2004 by Basant Kumar Gupta, Irshad Khan, Abhishek Jain, and Prasanna Shevare, the company provides advanced design and analysis tools to enhance the performance and efficiency of defense systems.
The company has also made significant advancements in drone warfare, designing lethal payloads and ejector rack mechanisms for swarm drones.
These payloads, ranging from 3kg to 5kg, are adaptable across multiple drone platforms and have undergone rigorous military-standard testing.
Additionally, Zeus Numerix is working on modular kits to improve UAV accuracy and flexibility, positioning itself as a crucial player in modernizing India’s defense capabilities.
The company has raised a total of $2.22 million in equity funding, with its largest funding round amounting to $1.78 million.
- Optimzed Electrotech
Optimized Electrotech is a deep-tech defense company specializing in electro-optics-based video surveillance systems.
Founded in 2017 by Sandeep Shah, Anil Yekkala, Dharin Shah, Kuldeep Saxena, and Purvi Shah, the company develops high-end surveillance solutions for defense, aerospace, paramilitary forces, and civilian applications.
Its advanced systems utilize multiple imaging spectrums, including Visible Spectrum (VIS), Near Infra-Red (NIR), Short Wave Infra-Red (SWIR), Medium Wave Infra-Red (MWIR), and Thermal Infra-Red (TIR).
These technologies enable long-range surveillance, zero-light image capturing, and resistance to environmental conditions, ensuring optimal security operations in all scenarios.
By integrating AI-driven analytics, Optimized Electrotech enhances border surveillance, aircraft tracking, and counter-drone measures.
Recently, the company won the ADITI 1.0 iDEX-DIO Challenge by the Defence Space Administration and was recognized at DefConnect 4.0.
It received a record INR 25 crore grant from the Government of India for its space situational awareness technology, further advancing India’s defense capabilities.
- Tonbo Imaging
Tonbo Imaging is a Bengaluru-based defense technology startup specializing in advanced imaging and sensor systems for military reconnaissance, infrastructure security, and transportation safety.
Founded by Arvind Lakshmikumar, the company designs and deploys electro-optics solutions, leveraging micro-optics, low-power electronics, and real-time vision processing.
The company’s technology enhances situational awareness for soldiers, unmanned drones, security personnel, and automotive applications, enabling superior visibility in challenging conditions such as darkness, fog, and bad weather.
By balancing front-end analog processing with sophisticated digital image processing, Tonbo delivers lightweight, low-power imaging platforms across visible, mid-wave infrared (MWIR), and long-wave infrared (LWIR) spectrums.
With a vertically integrated design approach and a strong intellectual property portfolio, Tonbo offers cutting-edge electro-optics technology without ITAR/government restrictions, making it a preferred partner in emerging markets.
The company has raised a total of $23.9 million over four funding rounds. In its Series B round, Tonbo secured $17 million.
- lvlAlpha
In 2019, Aditya Mishra and Anjum Perveen founded lvlAlpha, an early-stage defense technology startup dedicated to developing wearable solutions for the Defence Tri-Forces, Industry, and Public Health.
With a strong focus on innovation, the Pune-based lvlAlpha quickly gained momentum, earning ISO 13485 certification and securing support from AIC Mumbai and DST TBI, India.
Along the way, it received key grants from MeitY, the India Entrepreneurship Grant 2020, SASACT Grant 2020, and IOCL Startup Fund Round III.
Now, the company is rolling out advanced solutions, including wrist-worn health trackers, trauma monitoring software, and CBRN-grade PICs for pandemic response.
Committed to cutting-edge technology, lvlAlpha continues to enhance safety, situational awareness, and healthcare in high-risk environments.
- Big Bang Boom Solutions
Founded in 2018 by Dr. Shivaraman Ramaswamy and Mr. Praveen Dwarakanath, Chennai-based Big Bang Boom Solutions (BBBS) is a fast-growing defense startup developing indigenous technology.
Their flagship 360 Advanced Battle Interface enhances T-Series tank capabilities, alongside innovations in personal safety drones and security solutions.
With expertise in AI, UAVs, propulsion, and data security, BBBS collaborates globally with partners from the UK, Israel, Finland, and Australia.
The company has won five iDEX challenges, securing INR 7.5 crore in grants, a multi-crore MOQ, and an international export license.
It also develops assistive technology for civilians, backed by BIRAC.
Recognized with multiple innovation awards, BBBS fosters a dynamic, inclusive work culture and aims to expand its presence in India and globally.
- IdeaForge
IdeaForge, founded in 2010 by IIT graduates Ankit Mehta, Ashish Bhat, Rahul Singh, is India’s leading drone manufacturer, specializing in advanced UAVs for defense, homeland security, and industrial applications.
As the first Indian company to indigenously develop and manufacture VTOL UAVs, it has deployed over 700 systems and trained more than 1,300 pilots for the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, state police forces, and key enterprises.
With India’s largest operational UAV fleet, an IdeaForge drone takes off every four minutes, enabling over 550,000 successful missions in surveillance, mapping, and disaster response.
Ranked 3rd among the world’s Top Dual-Use Drone Manufacturers, the company continues to drive innovation through advanced R&D and manufacturing hubs in Navi Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and the USA.
- Constelli
Founded in 2017 by Satya Gopal Panigrahi and Avinash Chenreddy, Constelli is a Hyderabad-based technology startup specializing in advanced signal processing solutions for the defense and aerospace sectors.
The company is dedicated to solving complex challenges through cutting-edge technologies, offering a wide range of solutions from radar systems and electronic warfare (EW) testing to mission-critical applications.
With a vision to make lives safer and better through signal processing systems, Constelli develops innovative solutions tailored to the evolving needs of defense, aerospace, and commercial industries.
Its expertise spans telemetry receivers, secure communication technologies, and research-driven advancements, ensuring precision and reliability in high-stakes environments.
Constelli has established itself as a key player in the industry, leveraging technology to enhance national security and operational efficiency.
According to Tracxn, the company reports an annual revenue of ₹32.6 crore, reflecting its growing impact and market presence.
Conclusion
India’s defense-tech startups are driving innovation in security, surveillance, and military technology, enhancing strategic capabilities and gaining global recognition.
With government support through initiatives like iDEX and DISC, these firms are poised for growth, strengthening India’s defense preparedness and technological self-reliance.
As geopolitical challenges evolve, their contributions will be key to shaping the future of military innovation and national security.
