ideaForge Technology has launched its latest unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), NETRA 5, designed to enhance defence and security operations. Backed by Qualcomm Ventures and Infosys, the company aims to push the boundaries of aerial surveillance with AI-driven capabilities and robust operational resilience.
Advanced Features for Tactical Missions
The NETRA 5, weighing under 8 kg at maximum take-off weight, is man-portable and can be deployed in under three minutes. Built for extreme conditions, it integrates multiple advanced functionalities:
- AI-Driven Mission Workflows – Detects and tracks military assets such as bunkers, tanks, bridges, and obstacles in real-time.
- Dual EO/IR Sensors – Enables high-precision operations in both day and night conditions.
- All-Weather Radar Sensors – Supports obstacle detection and avoidance in complex environments.
- GNSS-Denied Operations – Functions without Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), ensuring mission success in high-interference zones.
- Jamming Resistance – Utilizes frequency-hopping technology to counter electronic warfare tactics.
Modular and Adaptable Design
NETRA 5 features a modular architecture that supports a secondary payload bay with an open communication protocol, making it highly customizable. Payload options include:
- LiDAR for high-precision mapping
- Multispectral sensors for enhanced imaging
- Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for fog penetration and threat detection
- Precision delivery systems for tactical applications
These capabilities position NETRA 5 as a versatile asset for reconnaissance, mapping, and security missions.
Endurance and Operational Resilience
NETRA 5 is engineered for harsh environments, withstanding up to 5,000 landings. Its wide operational temperature range ensures reliable performance in extreme conditions. The UAV’s continuous downlink capabilities enable uninterrupted intelligence gathering, making it a critical tool for modern defence forces.
CEO’s Perspective on NETRA 5
Ankit Mehta, CEO of ideaForge Technology, highlighted the UAV’s significance:
“NETRA 5 represents a breakthrough in unmanned aerial systems. Its ability to operate in GNSS-denied environments, withstand extreme conditions, and adapt to mission-specific needs sets a new standard for autonomy and resilience in drone technology.”
Building on NETRA 4 PRO’s Legacy
Before NETRA 5, ideaForge introduced NETRA 4 PRO at XPONENTIAL 2023. With a 90-minute flight time and a 10-mile range, NETRA 4 PRO catered to defence, public safety, and emergency response applications. The Early Adopter Program (EAP) in the U.S. and Canada allowed users to test the UAV before purchase. Lessons from NETRA 4 PRO directly influenced the advancements seen in NETRA 5.
Upcoming Showcase at Aero India 2025
ideaForge will present NETRA 5 alongside the tactical UAV SWITCH V2 and a logistics UAV concept at Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru. The event underscores the company’s focus on indigenous drone technology and global defence market expansion.
Market Position and Financial Performance
Founded in 2007 by Ankit Mehta, Ashish Bhat, and Rahul Singh, ideaForge has established itself as a leading UAV manufacturer in India. With R&D and manufacturing hubs in Navi Mumbai and Bengaluru, along with a presence in Delhi and the U.S., the company continues to scale operations.
Since launching India’s first VTOL UAV in 2009, ideaForge drones have completed over 6,00,000 successful flights, averaging a take-off every three minutes. However, financial challenges persist. The company reported a consolidated net loss of INR 24.02 crore in Q3 FY 2025, a decline from a net profit of INR 14.7 crore in the same quarter last year. Revenue dropped 81% from INR 90.89 crore in FY 2024 to INR 17.61 crore in FY 2025.
Conclusion
ideaForge calls NETRA 5 the “Para Commando” of drones, emphasizing its resilience and adaptability. As UAVs continue to shape modern warfare and security frameworks, NETRA 5 is poised to become a key asset in defence and civil modernization. With this launch, ideaForge reinforces its role as a leader in UAV innovation, setting new benchmarks for aerial surveillance and operational efficiency.
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