IG Defense: Indian Startup's AI Counter-Drone Solution

The dawn of an Indian counter-drone solution

It might seem unbelievable, but the time has come when a cheap commercial drone can destroy a multi-million dollar military tank. The brainchild of emerging startup IG Defense, The solution has the potential to transform 21st century counter-drone warfare and protect critical resources. The company is developing a cutting-edge system called TESHEL that makes neutralising drones easier and safer.

There's more than meets the eye

IG Defense's innovation places India on the map as a rising military tech power. The country has already seen its fair share of military drone innovations and tests. This could be a domestic solution for the Indian Armed Forces' most pressing challenges such as unmanned aerial vehicles from border-variable adversaries. The drone threat isn't going away, and the UAVs' commercial viability and accessibility make them a versatile option for hostile intelligence. IG Defense's innovation places India on the map as a rising military tech powerhouse. The country has already seen its fair share of military drone demonstrations — most recently, in the 2023 International Defence Exhibition, Regional military drills. This could be a domestic solution for the Indian Armed Forces' most pressing challenges, such as drone-based surveillance operations along the border and hand held UAV mishaps in urban areas

A unique dual-pronged approach to counter-drone warfare

The startup adopts a four-pronged approach encompassing the hardware, the validation, the network, and the organisation itself. Founder Bodhisattva Sankhapriya is backed by $6 million in capital, a large headcount, and two state-of-the-art facilities that will propel the project into a comprehensive military product — 80% of which is available for export. ### The Teshel Beam - hardware overview TESHEL Beam is a standout product that works by disrupting a drone’s video and GPS signals. Designed to mimic a rifle’s form, the Teshel beam does not shoot projectiles. Instead, it uses high-powered radio frequency energy. It disrupts the drone’s control signals without the use of explosives. To disrupt the drone, Teshel shoots highly focused energy pulses directly at the drone. The disruption works on the guiding frequencies, rendering it unable to navigate or sense its surroundings. The technology is an impressive leap from the mechanised counter drone measures in popular use, like net guns and electromagnetic pulse systems. This is called a "soft" kill — counter-drone tech that disrupts the drone mid-air. ### Italy’s equivalent: CIPD As far as the world's counter-drone technology goes, Italy has been leading the way with the CIPD. The CIPD is a combined system designed as a military weapon system. It is designed to visually track and disrupt multiple drones at once. The drone system has been demonstrated to have a high success rate in open and confined environments. However, the system is not without its flaws. It is expensive, with a cost upwards of $35,000 per single-use shot. The system also requires clear line-of-sight for optimal performance. ### GRID — the AI battlefield management software The IG Defense suite is designed to integrate seamlessly with grid — an AI battlefield management software. The GRID software manages battlefield sensors, weapons, and countermeasures to track the drone’s movements and position. In short, it enables a holistic and real-time picture, thus enhancing situational awareness. The increased field awareness and management enhance the user’s ability to counter incoming drones. The GRID seamlessly integrates with the Teshel beam — allowing for real-time monitoring and tactical adjustments before any attack. ### real-world capabilities Last October at the Indian Air Force’s Drone-a-thon 2026, the TESHEL system was tested out against different drones. The drones tested varied in weight, speed, and flying pattern. The tests were carried out under operational conditions. The goal was to test the system’s efficiency in real-world conditions. The outcome demonstrates that the system is capable of handling both non-standard and evasive drones in live situations. This is a testament to the system’s robustness and adaptability.

How can you get hold of TESHEL?

As a military enthusiast

The IG Defense technology is not yet available to the public; only participating military services can avail the technology. It is a restricted and sensitive product. The military system is designed as a complete solution. The system will identify a drone, track it, and deploy the Teshel beam to neutralise it. However, interested consumers can stay tuned to updates from IG Defense and its partners to learn more as the technology becomes more accessible.

As a potential investor

IG Defense has already secured $6 million in funding, and a large part of it has been used to establish state of the art production and R&D facilities. However, IG Defense has a number of potential investors lined up for patent licensing and technology partnerships. Interested investors can approach the company for further details.

A new era for counter drone warfare

Security is a constant. The arms race is ongoing, and history is littered with examples of nations and organisations adapting to new challenges. IG Defense's innovative solution proves that India has the talent to adapt and overcome. The drone a-thon event and other evaluations have shown that the company is pragmatic about its products and focused on increasing field readiness. The market is developing rapidly, and with them, a diversified product offering. The IG Defence drone counter technology is one of many innovations and solutions we can expect from Indian defence companies.