Bhopal-based deep-tech drone company IZI has secured a contract from the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE) for the supply and deployment of its indigenous VANA Surveillance Drone platform, marking a noteworthy development for India’s growing unmanned aerial systems sector.

The order will deploy IZI’s indigenous VANA platform for aerial photogrammetry, surveillance, precision mapping and advanced geospatial data collection

PXE is one of DRDO’s specialised establishments responsible for the testing and evaluation of defence equipment and systems. Under the contract, the VANA platform will be employed across a range of missions including aerial photogrammetry, precision mapping, terrain and ground-feature data collection, aerial surveillance, observation, and optical and thermal imaging.

The UAV will also provide real-time transmission of aerial video and mission data, helping defence researchers and evaluators gather detailed aerial and geospatial information for technical analysis. Its capabilities further extend to precision navigation, waypoint-based autonomous operations, and comprehensive flight and sensor-data logging for post-mission assessment.

Designed to operate in demanding environmental conditions, VANA is equipped with high-resolution imaging systems, RGB and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, GNSS-based navigation, onboard sensing equipment, and a dedicated Ground Control Station.

Its mission architecture supports automated mission planning, geofencing, altitude and camera control, autonomous waypoint navigation, and live data management through the Ground Control Station, enabling efficient mission execution and improved operational flexibility.

As part of the agreement, IZI will deploy two DGCA-certified pilots during the first year of operations. Their role will include supporting flight activities and facilitating the transfer of piloting expertise to nominated personnel during the warranty period. The contract identifies the system as an Aerial Photogrammetry Platform, with the IZI VANA Surveillance Drone specified as the model and India listed as the country of origin.

Commenting on the development, Ishan Haydn, Founder of IZI, said: “Securing this order from DRDO’s Proof & Experimental Establishment is an important milestone for IZI and reflects our focus on developing indigenous unmanned systems for specialised government and defence applications. VANA has been designed around operational requirements where reliable aerial data, surveillance, precision navigation and mission level intelligence come together. This engagement will allow us to support PXE’s requirements while continuing to advance our capabilities in indigenous UAV technology.”

The order highlights the increasing role being played by Indian private-sector drone manufacturers in supporting defence and government requirements with domestically developed technologies. Industry reports indicate that details regarding the contract value, deployment timeline and number of drones involved have not been publicly disclosed.

Additional information available on the VANA family suggests the platform has been developed as a modular unmanned system capable of supporting multiple mission profiles through different payload configurations.

Depending on mission requirements, the drone can be equipped for surveillance, mapping, infrastructure inspection and specialised data-gathering roles, reflecting a broader trend within India’s indigenous UAV ecosystem towards adaptable, multi-role platforms.

The contract further reinforces IZI’s strategy of developing integrated indigenous UAV solutions that combine drone platforms, sensors, communications, navigation technologies and mission-control systems for defence, government, surveillance, mapping and other specialised operational applications. 

At a broader level, the engagement also aligns with India's continuing push to strengthen self-reliance in advanced defence technologies through domestically designed and manufactured unmanned systems.

ANI