A groundbreaking aerostatic drone, developed with support from India’s Department of Science and Technology, is set to enhance surveillance, conservation, and disaster management across Northeast India.
The drone was showcased in New Delhi by the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR), an autonomous institute under the government’s science department. It marks the country’s first aerostatic drone and introduces a new era of silent, energy-efficient aerial monitoring.
Unlike regular drones that rely on constant engine power, this drone combines buoyancy with aerodynamic lift. It can stay airborne for over four hours without making noise, making it ideal for sensitive missions like wildlife tracking and border security.
Its modular design allows it to be mounted on vehicles or placed at fixed sites. The drone supports various payloads, including night vision and thermal cameras, anti-drone systems, and telecom relays. This makes it suitable for forest surveillance, crowd monitoring, emergency response, and communication support in remote areas.
At the demonstration, agencies such as the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) praised the drone’s ability to silently gather real-time data in tough terrain. Officials noted its radar-resistant design and long flight time as major advantages for border security and military operations.
The Brahmaputra Board also expressed interest in using the drone for inspecting roads, bridges, and managing floods. In cities, it could help track traffic and support public safety during large events by monitoring crowd movements and detecting threats.
The drone’s environmental impact is minimal, and its ability to operate quietly adds value in areas where sound disturbance must be avoided.
In a separate effort to boost surveillance, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) is partnering with a deep-tech startup under the Telecom Technology Development Fund. Their project, backed by the Universal Service Obligation Fund, aims to build a drone-based facial recognition system using AI, edge processing, and strong communications. It’s designed for emergency response, traffic control, and defence use, showcasing India’s push for telecom innovation and tech self-reliance.
Together, these developments highlight India’s drive to use homegrown drone technology to improve national security, disaster response, infrastructure monitoring, and public services.
