New Delhi / Prayagraj, — May 4, 2026 : Private strategic systems manufacturer IG Defence presented a comprehensive portfolio of indigenous strike and autonomous platforms at the North Tech Symposium 2026, underscoring the expanding role of India’s private sector in advanced military technology development.
The symposium, being held from May 4 to 6 in Prayagraj, is jointly organised by the Indian Army Northern Command, Indian Army Central Command, and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers under the theme “Raksha Triveni Sangam – Where Technology, Industry & Soldiering Converge.” The event was inaugurated by Rajnath Singh and has brought together more than 284 companies and over 1,500 delegates from industry, startups, academia, and the armed forces.
Flagship Strike and Missile Platforms
At the center of IG Defence’s showcase were its flagship systems: the KAL long-range strike drone and the JWALA missile system, both developed to meet evolving battlefield requirements shaped by recent global conflicts and the increasing use of loitering munitions and precision-strike technologies.
KAL is designed as a long-range, one-way attack drone capable of deep-penetration missions. It offers an operational strike range of up to 1,000 kilometres and an endurance window of three to six hours. The system integrates GNSS-aided navigation, autonomous waypoint flight, and optical targeting, enabling precision engagement of high-value targets in contested environments with electronic resilience.
Complementing this capability is JWALA, a short-range missile system configured for both surface-to-air and surface-to-surface roles. The system incorporates inertial navigation with terminal precision guidance and features a modular launch architecture, allowing flexible deployment across varied and challenging terrains. Its design supports rapid-response engagement scenarios requiring accuracy and mobility.
Broader Autonomous and Multi-Domain Systems
In addition to KAL and JWALA, IG Defence presented a wider ecosystem of platforms addressing multiple operational domains, including strike, surveillance, logistics, and counter-drone warfare.
Among these systems is the FPV STRIKER, a low-cost tactical precision strike platform that has seen deployment during Operation Sindoor. The company also showcased the GAJA Logistics Drone, a heavy-lift unmanned aerial system capable of carrying payloads between 100 and 200 kilograms, designed to support troop sustainment in remote and high-altitude areas.
Ground-based capabilities were represented by the UGV NANDI, an unmanned ground vehicle developed for automated logistics and forward reconnaissance missions. For aerial surveillance, IG Defence introduced the SKYHAWK VTOL platform, built for long-endurance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.
The ASTRA Swarm System, another key component of the portfolio, enables coordinated multi-drone autonomous operations, reflecting the growing emphasis on swarm intelligence in modern warfare.
Counter-Drone Capabilities
Addressing the increasing threat posed by hostile unmanned aerial systems, IG Defence also unveiled its counter-UAS solutions. These systems combine electronic warfare tools, radio-frequency detection mechanisms, and kinetic countermeasures to detect, track, and neutralize drone threats across operational environments.
Strategic Context and Industry Role
The systems showcased align with India’s broader push toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing and the development of scalable, electronically resilient warfare capabilities. The symposium itself serves as a platform linking operational military requirements with private-sector innovation, reflecting a shift from import substitution toward indigenous design and development.
Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, Founder and CEO of IG Defence, stated that the company’s focus is on building systems aligned with current operational realities while ensuring long-term adaptability and sustainability within the domestic ecosystem.
Major General R.C. Padhi (Retd.), Senior Vice President for Research and Development at IG Defence, highlighted the importance of interoperability, noting that modern conflict scenarios increasingly require integrated systems combining strike capabilities, surveillance, swarm coordination, and counter-drone measures.
Expanding Defence Ecosystem
IG Defence’s participation at the symposium reflects its broader expansion into high-demand defence segments, including unmanned systems, rapid-response strike platforms, and counter-UAS technologies. The company’s integrated approach aims to deliver complementary systems that enhance operational effectiveness across multiple domains.
The North Tech Symposium 2026 is expected to continue serving as a key platform for engagement between defence stakeholders, highlighting the growing contribution of private industry in strengthening India’s defence preparedness and advancing next-generation military capabilities.
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