The drone displays at the North Tech Symposium in Prayagraj sent a clear message: warfare is becoming fast, smart, and unmanned, with machines now guarding both skies and security. Designed for roles ranging from surveillance to combat, these drones offered observers a glimpse into the future of the battlefield.
PARAS-SK 50: A Combat-Ready Surveillance Drone
The PARAS-SK 50, developed by Paras Defence, drew significant attention. More than just a surveillance unit, it can engage targets with a 7.62 mm weapon, a 50-round magazine, and a range exceeding 600 meters. Its smart sensors can detect humans, vehicles, and other drones, making it a versatile asset in modern warfare.
Speed-ER: The Laser Gun for Anti-Drone Defense
Also on display was Speed-ER, a laser gun capable of identifying, tracking, and engaging targets. Acting like an “eye in the sky,” it continuously follows a target once detected. Once within range, it can strike with precision, but only after operator approval, ensuring safety control. This anti-drone system can detect an incoming drone from up to 10 kilometers away and neutralize it using a high-energy laser beam. Once locked, the system can destroy a hostile drone within seconds.
High-Speed Combat Drones from IIT Jammu
A team from IIT Jammu presented high-speed combat drones. One of them, named “Rudra,” can fly at speeds of up to 600 kmph and operate at altitudes of 6 kilometers while carrying a 20 kg payload. Another, called “Skyreaper,” can reach even higher altitudes of up to 10 kilometers and fly as fast as 860 kmph.
Hydrogen-Powered Drones: Longer Endurance
A different kind of innovation came in the form of hydrogen-powered drones by startup Nextleap Aeronautics, which showcased innovative designs. Unlike traditional battery-operated drones that can fly for one or two hours, hydrogen drones can stay in the air much longer, sometimes up to ten times as long. This is because hydrogen stores more energy. These drones use advanced micro gas turbine engines, a technology that only a handful of countries possess.
Despite weighing around 10 kg, such engines can generate enough power to push drones to speeds of nearly 500 kmph. They are also quieter, making them harder to detect.
VTOL Drones: Vertical Take-Off and Landing
The exhibition also featured vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones. These can rise straight up like a helicopter and then fly forward like an aeroplane. This means they do not need long runways, making them useful in difficult terrains or emergency situations. Some models could even convert from vertical to fixed-wing mode within minutes. Made of lightweight polycarbonate, they can take off and land vertically, eliminating the need for any special launch system or runway. Within minutes, they can be converted into a fixed-wing drone, allowing them to cover longer distances efficiently. Their low-cost design makes them practical for wider use, while their ability to operate in tight or remote areas adds to their operational advantage.
