Indian defence startup IDR unveils nano drones ‘DOOT MK1’ & ‘PARUSH’ for counter-terror operations
19 Sep 2023 16:00:22
A defense business created two years ago by a team of young engineers from IIT Roorkee has developed three kinds of nano drones, including a 'Kamikaze' UAV, for use in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
According to Mayank Pratap Singh, co-founder of IDR, "This is the first time that nano drones have been developed indigenously in this country." "In just two years since the formation of our startup in 2021, we have developed three variants of nano drones that are actively aiding security forces in their efforts against insurgency and terrorism," Singh told PTI today.
He stated that IDR Research and Development has created three specialized models of the Doot Mk1 nano drone, which were displayed at the North-tech conference.
Weighing under 200 grams, these drones have an endurance of up to 30 minutes and a top speed of 80 kmph with extremely minimal noise, according to Singh, who said that the Doot Mk1 is loaded with artificial intelligence capabilities, allowing it to recognize up to 80 distinct things.
"There is one version of the drone optimized for outdoor operations, another for indoor operations, and an explosive variant (Kamikaze)."
"During an emergency, these nano drones can be deployed in under 10 seconds." "Their small size allows them to maneuver in tight spaces, whether launched from hand, rooftop, or moving vehicles," Singh explained.
When the 'Kamikaze' variant, Parush, reaches its target, it explodes.
The drone carrying explosives has a kill button for it to detonate, he added, adding that such drones would have to be trained to detect the enemy's stronghold and explode there.
"Parush is a harmful or destructive word. "We recently tested the explosive drone and are now working on the safety aspect," he stated. "It will be ready by December."
Singh said that the Doot MK1 drone's live footage is broadcast to numerous displays, providing flawless cooperation in close combat conditions. He stated that it has a range of 1.5 kilometers and can operate indoors or within structures encompassing 200 to 300 meters.
According to the startup's representatives, these nano drones have been tested by several armed services headquarters as well as the NSG and Assam rifles, and the Army has created 20 units.
A nano drone costs between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 6 lakh.
"Our drones are specifically designed for Indian conditions." They passed tests in high-altitude areas, deserts, and varying weather conditions," Singh said, adding that these nano drones are critical for anti-terrorism operations, close-quarter combat, indoor interventions, and silent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.
The majority of the micro drones in use in India are made in the United States and are known as the 'Black Hornet.'
The firm is aggressively looking at exporting potential for its products.
"We recently took part in a defense exhibition in Gujarat and received positive feedback from countries including Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and Morocco." Procurement discussions are in underway with their respective governments. The Cambodian army has indicated interest, and talks about prospective acquisition are underway," Singh added.
Pic Source: r/IndiaSpeaks
According to Mayank Pratap Singh, co-founder of IDR, "This is the first time that nano drones have been developed indigenously in this country." "In just two years since the formation of our startup in 2021, we have developed three variants of nano drones that are actively aiding security forces in their efforts against insurgency and terrorism," Singh told PTI today.
He stated that IDR Research and Development has created three specialized models of the Doot Mk1 nano drone, which were displayed at the North-tech conference.
Weighing under 200 grams, these drones have an endurance of up to 30 minutes and a top speed of 80 kmph with extremely minimal noise, according to Singh, who said that the Doot Mk1 is loaded with artificial intelligence capabilities, allowing it to recognize up to 80 distinct things.
"There is one version of the drone optimized for outdoor operations, another for indoor operations, and an explosive variant (Kamikaze)."
"During an emergency, these nano drones can be deployed in under 10 seconds." "Their small size allows them to maneuver in tight spaces, whether launched from hand, rooftop, or moving vehicles," Singh explained.
When the 'Kamikaze' variant, Parush, reaches its target, it explodes.
The drone carrying explosives has a kill button for it to detonate, he added, adding that such drones would have to be trained to detect the enemy's stronghold and explode there.
"Parush is a harmful or destructive word. "We recently tested the explosive drone and are now working on the safety aspect," he stated. "It will be ready by December."
Singh said that the Doot MK1 drone's live footage is broadcast to numerous displays, providing flawless cooperation in close combat conditions. He stated that it has a range of 1.5 kilometers and can operate indoors or within structures encompassing 200 to 300 meters.
According to the startup's representatives, these nano drones have been tested by several armed services headquarters as well as the NSG and Assam rifles, and the Army has created 20 units.
A nano drone costs between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 6 lakh.
"Our drones are specifically designed for Indian conditions." They passed tests in high-altitude areas, deserts, and varying weather conditions," Singh said, adding that these nano drones are critical for anti-terrorism operations, close-quarter combat, indoor interventions, and silent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.
The majority of the micro drones in use in India are made in the United States and are known as the 'Black Hornet.'
The firm is aggressively looking at exporting potential for its products.
"We recently took part in a defense exhibition in Gujarat and received positive feedback from countries including Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and Morocco." Procurement discussions are in underway with their respective governments. The Cambodian army has indicated interest, and talks about prospective acquisition are underway," Singh added.