Anadrone Systems to set up drone R&D centre in Odisha

Anadrone Systems, an Odisha-based target drone manufacturer, has announced that it will set up a state-of-the-art research and development centre for sophisticated drones in the state. The plant will be up and running within six months to provide drone solutions for the Indian armed forces and for export, said Anadrone managing director Anant Bhalotia. The new set-up will earn revenue for the state as well as offer employment opportunities, Bhalotia said during the ‘Make in Odisha Conclave 2022’. “With this new plant, our effort is to become the leading partner to the defence forces in its test and evaluation of sophisticated weapons and systems, and to maximise indigenisation. We see a huge potential in developing other systems, such as surface and land targets, at this centre.” The new R&D centre will have capabilities to develop futuristic target drones such as subsonic and supersonic targets. Its primary objective will be to become centre for indigenous drones that will meet national requirements. The development comes as a strategic expansion move after the company bagged the contract to supply 125 Manoeuvrable Expendable Aerial Targets (MEAT) and associated equipment worth Rs 960 million to the Indian Army and Air Force, which happened earlier this year. Anadrone Systems has been manufacturing drones for a decade and has recently entered into a collaboration with a UK-based defence-tech company. See also: India’s first private rocket set to launch next week Goa plans Drone Park cum Hub at Tuem; invites EoIs