India’s defence tech sector is undergoing a big change driven by indigenous innovation, startup energy and government push. At the heart of this change are three interconnected forces: Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India and Defence. Together they are building a self reliant high tech defence ecosystem to reduce imports and increase global competitiveness.
Under the umbrella of initiatives like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, a new generation of defence tech startups is emerging—pioneering in unmanned systems, aerospace, AI, surveillance and cyber warfare. These startups are not only getting market traction but also investor interest as seen in multiple Series A, B and C funding rounds.
This article showcases India’s top defence tech startups and provides a comprehensive view of the burgeoning defence tech market.
The Power Trio – Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, and Defence
India’s rise as a defence tech giant isn’t an accident—it’s a deliberate convergence of national priorities:
- Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) aims to reduce strategic dependence on foreign defence imports by building local capabilities in defence manufacturing, R&D and technology ownership.
- Make in India is transforming defence production from a public sector dominated industry to a private led innovation economy by opening up the sector to startups and MSMEs.
- Defence Modernization is not just about hardware anymore—it’s about smarter, agile, AI powered systems that require new thinking and new players.
This trio is redefining India’s defence story—from a buyer to a builder, from dependence to dominance.
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The Indian Defence Tech Market
India is the fifth largest military spender in the world with defence budgets crossing USD 86.1 billion annually. For decades India has been importing most of its defence needs. This is changing fast with government policies promoting domestic manufacturing and innovation.
Key market drivers include:
- Self-reliance: ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ means reducing dependence on foreign military imports.
- Policy support: DAP 2020, iDEX and DRDO’s Technology Development Fund are promoting defence innovation.
- Private participation: Liberalisation of defence manufacturing sector and FDI cap increase to 74% has opened up the sector for startups.
- Technology innovation: Startups are using AI, robotics, UAVs, sensor fusion and quantum technologies for military applications.
So defence tech is a hot vertical for investors and entrepreneurs.
Top Defence Tech Startups in India
Here is a detailed look at India’s most innovative and well-funded top military startups, particularly those that have secured Series B or higher funding, demonstrating maturity, advanced product development, and scale readiness.
#1 Tonbo Imaging – Leading in Top Defence Startups in India
- Founded: 2008
- Headquarters: Bengaluru
- Focus: Advanced imaging and sensor systems
- Latest Funding: USD 20.4 million (~INR 175 crore) in Series D pre-IPO round (April 2025)
- Total Funding: USD 44.3 million (~INR 376 crore) in five funding rounds from investors like Exim Bank, Florintree, Celesta Capital, Artiman, Qualcomm, Edelweiss, and HBL Engineering
- Overview: Tonbo Imaging builds electro-optics and sensor fusion systems for night vision, thermal imaging and targeting solutions. Their technology goes into tanks, rifles and UAVs to enhance combat effectiveness in low visibility conditions. They serve defence forces globally and are a key exporter of Indian defence technology.
#2 Optimized Electrotech
- Founded: 2017
- Headquarters: Ahmedabad
- Focus: Long-range surveillance systems
- Latest Funding: USD 6 million (~INR 51 crore) in Series A funding (April 2025)
- Total Funding: USD 10.5 million (~INR 89 crore)
- Overview: Optimized Electrotech makes multispectral imaging systems that can detect threats up to 50 km. Their products are used in border surveillance, critical infrastructure protection and by armed forces. They are also working with ISRO and DRDO for space and defence grade sensors.
#3 Garuda Aerospace – Best Defence Tech Startups in India
- Founded: 2015
- Headquarters: Chennai
- Focus: Drone manufacturing
- Latest Funding: USD 12 million (~INR 100 crore) in Series B funding (April 2025)
- Total Funding: INR 160 crore
- Overview: Garuda Aerospace specializes in industrial and defence drones. With over 30 different types of UAVs developed, the company supports applications such as reconnaissance, surveillance, crowd control, and delivery of essentials in hostile environments.
#4 Pixxel – One of Top Military Startups in India
- Founded: 2019
- Headquarters: Bengaluru
- Focus: Hyperspectral imaging satellites
- Latest Funding: USD 24 million (~INR 204 crore) in Series B funding (December 2024)
- Total Funding: USD 95 million (~INR 807 crore)
- Overview: Pixxel operates in defence and strategic sectors with space based surveillance solutions. Their hyperspectral satellites provide high resolution, real time imagery for military intelligence, terrain mapping and environmental monitoring.
#5 Skyroot Aerospace
- Founded: 2018
- Headquarters: Hyderabad
- Focus: Satellite launch vehicles
- Latest Funding: USD 27.5 million (~INR 225 crore) in Series C (October 2023)
- Total Funding: USD 95 million (~INR 807 crore)
- Overview: Skyroot builds cost-effective small satellite launch vehicles. While not exclusively a defence company, its space launch capabilities are critical for military satellite deployment and strategic autonomy.
#6 Big Bang Boom Solutions
- Founded: 2018
- Headquarters: Chennai
- Focus: Defence product development
- Latest Funding: USD 30 million (~INR 250 crore) in venture rounds (beyond Series A) (September 2024)
- Overview: This startup, recognized among the best defence tech startups in India, designs and manufactures anti-drone systems, smart munitions, and ruggedized hardware. It has received government grants and DRDO collaboration, making it a key player in India’s anti-drone and homeland security ecosystem.
#7 AjnaLens (Dimension NXG)
- Founded: 2014
- Headquarters: Mumbai
- Focus: Mixed reality defence systems
- Funding: INR 12 crore
- Overview: AjnaLens creates AR/VR-based solutions for soldier training and battlefield simulations. It also builds anti-drone and situational awareness systems for real-time combat use, supported by Indian Armed Forces orders worth INR 200 crore.
#8 NewSpace Research and Technologies
- Founded: 2017
- Headquarters: Bengaluru
- Focus: Autonomous systems, swarming drones
- Funding: USD 52 million (~INR 431 crore) (March 2024)
- Overview: A leading innovator in aerial autonomy, NewSpace develops swarm drones and AI-enabled autonomous systems for offensive and surveillance applications. It has close ties with DRDO and Indian Air Force initiatives. It is the best company among the AI defence companies in India.
#9 Grene Robotics
- Founded: 2009
- Headquarters: Hyderabad
- Focus: AI-driven defence automation
- Funding: USD 15 million (~INR 127 crore) in Series A
- Overview: Grene Robotics builds C4ISR platforms and has developed ‘Indrajaal’, an AI-powered counter-drone defence system capable of securing large airspaces. Their autonomous solutions integrate seamlessly into modern digital warfare ecosystems.
#10 EyeROV
- Founded: 2016
- Headquarters: Kochi
- Focus: Underwater robotics and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs)
- Funding: USD 1.2 Mn (~INR 10 crore ) in a Pre-Series A funding round led by Unicorn India Ventures (August 2024)
- Overview: EyeROV is India’s first commercial underwater drone company. It designs ROVs used for inspecting critical infrastructure such as ship hulls, dams, and offshore platforms. Its technology is increasingly being adapted for naval and maritime surveillance applications. With its scalable tech and growing presence in defence applications, EyeROV is emerging as one of the top military startups in India, making it a potential long-term player in both civil and defence underwater inspection sectors.
Conclusion
India’s defence tech sector is no longer an emerging story—it is a rapidly evolving battlefield of innovation. Defence Tech Startups in India are tackling everything from drone swarms to space surveillance, carving out a self-reliant and export-capable defence technology ecosystem. With strong government policy support, rising investor interest, and a spirit of indigenous innovation, Defence Tech Startups in India are positioning the country as a global hub for next-generation military technology.
As geopolitical threats grow and cyber-physical security becomes paramount, these startups are not just building businesses—they are fortifying the nation.