Gurugram-based defence technology startup Armory has secured a Rs 1 bn contract from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for production and deployment of its indigenous Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS), SURGE. The order forms part of wider efforts to strengthen counter-drone capabilities amid evolving aerial threats. The contract was awarded following formal procurement processes and is intended to support immediate deployment needs. The award underscores growing attention to indigenous solutions within defence procurement and the priority placed on rapid field deployment.

The SURGE platform was evaluated through a series of field trials that tested detection, identification and neutralisation of unauthorised drones under varied operational conditions. The system integrates the company's proprietary Samaritan operating system (OS), which enables real-time adaptation across non-standard frequencies and automated threat management. Tests emphasised operational performance and deployment readiness alongside technical specifications.

Armory completed development and made the platform field-ready within 14 months, reflecting an accelerated development cycle. The firm was founded in 2024 by Amardeep Singh and operates a research and development facility in Manesar where it is expanding its counter-drone portfolio. Its approach is described as iterative design based on field feedback to refine systems for operational use.

The contract aligns with policy efforts to promote indigenous defence manufacturing and reflects a procurement focus on systems that are ready for immediate use. Armory plans to scale manufacturing capacity and expand its workforce to meet the order while continuing work on additional counter-drone technologies, including hard-kill systems intended to physically neutralise aerial threats. To date the company has raised around Rs 350 mn in equity funding and is preparing for a fresh funding round later this year to support hardware development and business expansion.