New Delhi: In an effort to bolster India’s defence capabilities and support the Make in India vision, Optiemus Unmanned Systems (OUS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Optiemus Infracom Limited (a leading telecommunications and electronics manufacturing group in India) on April 23 announced the launch of four advanced drones.
The drones – Marak VT100, Vajra QC55, Canister Launched Loitering Munition and First Person View (FPV) drones with optical fiber cable-based navigation capability- showcase the latest in unmanned aerial technology by providing solutions for a wide range of defense, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. These drones are being showcased at the Milipol India 2025 at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, New Delhi.
Marak VT100: This high-altitude capable VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) drone is equipped with an advanced 30x EOIR (electro-optical & infrared imaging) camera enabling high resolution day and night surveillance capability. Its VTOL capability allows operations in confined areas without the need for a runway. The drone offers a range of 20 kms and an endurance of 3 hours. An extended range of 50+kms is also offered as an add-on with the equipment.
Vajra QC55: Designed for advanced aerial surveillance, this multirotor drone integrates an EOIR camera to capture high resolution visuals during both day and night. Its vertical lift capability allows for quick launches and landings in tight and remote areas. The drone can cover distances up to 10 kms and remain airborne for 80 plus minutes. Features like real-time imaging and AI analytics are to enhance decision making during critical operations. It is an effective tool for monitoring, reconnaissance, and rapid response scenarios.
Canister Launched Loitering Munition: A high-performance attack drone with 30 minutes of endurance, a 2.5 kg payload, and a 30 km command-and-control range, this is capable of reaching loiter speeds of 130 km/h and sprint speeds of 150 km/h. Equipped with a stabilised electro-optical and infra-red gimballed payload, AI-driven tracking and proprietary flight control, it can support beyond-line-of-sight targeting. The drone is flexible for launching from unmanned vessels, vehicles, or fixed positions.
FPV (first person view) drones: These drones can be operated using Optical Fiber Cable. This capability allows navigation which cannot be blocked by electronic warfare capabilities. These drones will have range of up to 20 kms in one direction and are ideal for kamikaze and surveillance operations. The FPV drones offer different capabilities in terms of payload capacity and endurance. One of the models can carry 1 kg payload with 15+ mins endurance while the other can carry 350 grams payload with 30+ mins of endurance.
The OFC navigation capability can be deployed on all the OUS drones.
In line with the vision of “Make in India”, OUS has also forged a partnership with Avix Technology, a Taiwan-based renowned drone developer and component manufacturer, to jointly develop, manufacture, and assemble high-performance camera systems, gimbals, and related drone components in India to meet the specific needs of the Indian defence and related sectors. Avix’s deep expertise in UAV design, particularly in remote-controlled helicopters and UAV electronics, brings advanced capabilities to the forefront of Indian technology development.
Ashok Gupta, Chairman, Optiemus Group said, “We are proud to contribute to India’s defence modernisation with cutting-edge technology that not only enhances our national security but also supports the government’s Make in India vision. These newly launched drones represent the future of autonomous aerial operations, combining advanced engineering with locally manufactured components to deliver high-impact performance in challenging environments. Also, our collaboration with Avix Technology signifies a milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defence technology. By combining Optiemus Unmanned Systems’ deep understanding of local operational needs and designing and manufacturing capabilities with Avix’s cutting edge design expertise, we are not only delivering world class drones but also building a robust domestic manufacturing ecosystem.”
On the partnership, Cooper Chang, CEO of Avix Technologies said, “Our partnership with Optiemus Unmanned Systems is a significant step to co create advanced camera solutions tailored for India’s evolving defence landscape. This alliance goes beyond component supply and it’s a shared commitment to deliver high capability drone camera and gimbal components. Together, we are laying the foundation for a sustainable, innovation driven manufacturing hub right here in India.”
OUS is also working with multiple partners to support and grow the local component ecosystem. Third party suppliers of components/modules/sub system suppliers will be showcasing their Make in India products alongside OUS’s portfolio of integrated drone subsystems and electronics.
