Amid the recent military standoff between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, the strategic importance of indigenous drone technology has become more apparent. What set this operation apart was the extensive deployment of drones for both reconnaissance and precision targeting. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) provided real-time intelligence, tracked militant movement, and guided strikes with surgical accuracy, minimising collateral damage.
Reportedly the Ministry of Defence has since then directed all drone-developing institutions and companies to present their most advanced prototypes for urgent consideration. The two drones – FPV combat drone and high-payload logistics drone – developed by IIT-Kanpur, have been designed to meet evolving demands of modern warfare and could soon be deployed for active operations.
Besides, IIT-Kanpur’s developed drones, the operation also brought into limelight several drone manufacturers, such as SkyStriker suicide drones, manufactured in Bengaluru under a joint venture between Bangalore-based Alpha Design and Israel’s Elbit Security Systems.
Additionally, during Operation Sindoor, real-time data from the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) enabled the drones to lock onto terrorist positions with pinpoint accuracy. For this strategic precision across India’s western front, a lesser-known yet critical player emerged from the digital shadows. Kawa Space, an Indian space-tech startup emerged as one of the most credible sources of satellite-based intelligence during the military campaign.
While misinformation spread rapidly on social media, many turned to maps and images released by Thiruvananthapuram-based Kawa Space and its enigmatic founder Kris. Their X handles consistently shared high-resolution satellite imagery showing the extent of damage inflicted on Pakistani targets.
Crucially, these images have not only added credibility to India’s claims but also served as visual proof of the impact of its operations. The images, shared with credible defence-related websites including Alpha Defence – an independent firm known for its high-quality commentary on defence, aerospace, and geopolitics – become an essential tool in decoding the progress of Operation Sindoor.
Reportedly the ministry of defence has since then directed all drone-developing institutions and companies to present their most advanced prototypes for urgent consideration. The two drones – FPV combat drone and high-payload logistics drone – developed by IIT-Kanpur, have been designed to meet evolving demands of modern warfare and could soon be deployed for active operations
The Sky Attackers
IIT Kanpur has previously supplied around 30 drones to the Indian Army, some of which are reportedly in service in the northeastern sectors.
While operational details remain confidential, experts said these units have demonstrated strong performance in surveillance, terrain mapping, and limited combat roles. The new drones are expected to be more agile, autonomous, and mission-adaptive.
IIT Kanpur’s scientists and engineers have rapidly developed two specialised drone models. The first is a short-range FPV drone designed for precision strikes and real-time battlefield reconnaissance. The second is a heavy-lift drone capable of transporting – ammunition, rations, or medical supplies – across rugged or inaccessible terrain.
Both are equipped with stealth features and radar-evasive capabilities, making them ideal for deployment in hostile zones. “These drones are a direct response to a formal request from the Indian Army, given the evolving security environment. We are aiming for high-impact performance in both tactical and logistic dimensions. The May 25 trials will be crucial,” said Prof Abhishek from IIT Kanpur’s aerospace engineering department, which played a crucial role in developing the drones.
FPV Combat Drone: This drone is a high-speed, low-altitude tactical UAV built for offensive roles in close-range engagements. Weighing under 10 kg, it features a compact frame, ultra-fast motor, and front-mounted high-definition camera capable of transmitting real-time video to ground controllers.
Additionally, during Operation Sindoor, real-time data from the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) enabled the drones to lock onto terrorist positions with pinpoint accuracy. For this strategic precision across India’s western front, a lesser-known yet critical player emerged from the digital shadows. Kawa Space, an Indian space-tech startup emerged as one of the most credible sources of satellite-based intelligence during the military campaign
It is designed for “kamikaze” missions as well as precision-targeted payload delivery. The drone can fly at speeds up to 120 kmph and has a flight endurance of up to 30 minutes. Equipped with GPS-denied navigation capabilities and visual-inertial odometry, it can operate in jammed or signal-compromised environments.
It is also designed to fly through narrow urban or mountainous paths with enhanced obstacle avoidance algorithms, making it highly effective in surgical strike-type operations and enemy base infiltration.
Heavy-Lift Logistics Drone: The high-payload logistics drone, on the other hand, is a robust, multi-rotor UAV capable of lifting upto 30 kg cargo over a range of 40 km. Engineered for operations in high altitude or disaster-prone areas, this drone is fitted with long-range encrypted communication links and advanced fail-safe systems such as auto-return, parachute deployment, and autonomous navigation.
It can operate under diverse weather conditions and is designed to land in unprepared terrain, making it ideal for supply drops to forward bases or stranded units. The drone’s modular payload bay can carry different types of cargo – from medical kits and food packets to ammunition crates – secured with vibration-absorbing shock mounts. This drone is expected to significantly reduce the army’s dependence on manned helicopters for critical logistics in dangerous or hard-to-reach areas.
The Observant Sky Sentinels
As Operation Sindoor unfolded with strategic precision across India’s western front, a lesser-known yet critical player emerged from the digital shadows. Kawa Space, an Indian space-tech startup founded by Thiruvananthapuram’s native Kris Nair, emerged as one of the most credible sources of satellite-based intelligence during the campaign.
In war, truth is often the first casualty. But as Operation Sindoor reshapes regional dynamics, a small satellite startup is making sure the truth – or at least a clearer picture of it – can still be seen, from up above in the sky
On Sunday (May 12) evening, Nair hinted at a significant development: “The next image analysis report is one hell of a banger.” Today, he posted a cryptic line: “O Black Mountains, what are you hiding in your shadowed heart?” – accompanied by a wide-angle satellite image believed to show the Kirana Hills, a remote and rocky region in Pakistan’s Punjab province long rumoured to house Pakistan’s nuclear infrastructure. While it remains unclear whether the location was targeted, the post sparked intense speculation and drew attention to the growing role of India’s private space sector.
Founded in March 2019, Kawa Space was envisioned as a critical application and infrastructure layer for the global space industry. Originally built to serve the broader geospatial tech ecosystem, it has now repositioned itself as a global intelligence and defence space company.
In the face of rampant misinformation, Kawa Space’s methodical, evidence-backed assessments have gained the trust of defence watchers, journalists, and policy insiders alike.
In war, truth is often the first casualty. But as Operation Sindoor reshapes regional dynamics, a small satellite startup is making sure the truth – or at least a clearer picture of it – can still be seen, from up above in the sky.
In fact, the successful Operation Sindoor has also bought into limelight several defence SMEs and startups, which if given a little more support from the government, could deliver much beyond our expectations.
