India has one of the strongest military forces globally and holds a pivotal role in ensuring regional security and fulfilling strategic goals. In 2013-14, the country’s defense budget stood at INR 2,53,346 crore, which has seen a significant rise, reaching INR 6,21,940.85 crore in 2024-25. This reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities.
Defense public sector undertakings (PSUs) like HAL, BEL, and BDL empower the country’s defense industry. With the “Make in India” initiative and policy reforms, and to curb the reliance on foreign procurement, the country has witnessed the emergence of a large number of defense tech startups in recent years, fueling India’s defense sector. These startups power the sector through innovative technologies and solutions.
According to reports, more than 1,000 defense startups have emerged in India in the last five years, which is growing continuously. This startup ecosystem in defense tech is largely propelled by the Ministry of Defence’s iDEX programme – iDEX-Innovations for Defence Excellence – that provides financial support to nearly 300 Startups/ MSMEs/individual innovators and about 20 Partner incubators through the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO).
In this article, we will explore the top defense tech startups that are igniting the nation’s defense capabilities through their innovative solutions. So, let’s get started!
Garuda Aerospace Pvt. Ltd.
Founded: 2015
Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Garuda Aerospace is a multi-purpose drone manufacturing company that offers defence solutions. Its drones can be used for aerial surveillance, search and rescue operations, and intelligence gathering. Garuda Aerospace empowers the Indian Army through combat support, logistics and supply, and ammunition support and payload delivery. In May 2025, the company raised $11.7 million in Series B funding, led by Venture Catalysts.
Newspace Research and Technologies
Founded: 2018
Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Developer of next-gen unmanned aerospace systems, Newspace Research and Technologies (NRT) is an Aerospace and Defence R&D company. It offers multi-purpose UAVs for earth observation and communications.
NRT is developing multiple programs in Next Generation Mission & Technologies (NGM&T) in Aerospace and Defence for Military and Civilian use by the Indian Ministry of Defence, National Disaster Response Force, Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Telecommunications, and more.
Tonbo Imaging
Founded: 2012
Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka
Tonbo Imaging provides a suite of solutions that address critical market demands in military reconnaissance, critical infrastructure security, and transportation safety. The company’s WaveStrike, a next-generation High-Power Microwave (HPM) system, is designed to instantly neutralize drone swarms and disable enemy electronic infrastructure with unmatched precision and scalability. Its advanced imaging technologies drive innovation in defense and commercial markets.
Optimized Electrotech
Founded: 2017
Headquarters: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Optimized Electrotech Private Limited is an imaging surveillance technology company with a focus on Electro Optics. The company‘s products are used in border surveillance, space and aerial surveillance, and weapon sights. In 2024, the defence tech startup secured a grant of Rs 25 crore, which was the highest grant awarded under any government initiative at DefConnect 4.0, after emerging as the top winner of the ADITI 1.0 iDEX-DIO Challenge.
AjnaLens
Founded: 2014
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
AjnaLens is a provider of XR in India. Its AjnaESAS (Enhanced Situational Awareness System) provides day and night surveillance for defense. The AjnaASTRA (Augmented Reality Head-Mounted Display System: ARHMD) integrates an existing radar system with an indigenously designed AR head-mounted display, providing early warning and launch assistance to ground-based air defense systems.
Ci4
Founded: 2020
Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka
Ci4 is one of the top defense tech startups in India, providing the next generation of defense and security technologies. Ci4’s self-reliant surveillance and intelligence tower is designed to provide real-time monitoring, threat detection, and seamless integration with multi-domain operations. The company has also developed a robust autonomous platform for ground reconnaissance and mission-critical operations in diverse and challenging terrains.
In 2023, Ci4 has won several prestigious awards, including the Best Defense Startup Award – Electronic Industries Association; Aerospace Innovation Award – IEI Centenary Award | IIT Kanpur, and Space Industry Excellence Award – Indian Space Association.
AGNIT Semiconductors
Founded: 2019
Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka
AGNIT Semiconductors is a Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductor company. The company’s GaN components offer compelling performance-price-footprint advantages for the defense and telecommunications industries. In 2023, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Agnit Semiconductors Private Ltd. for the design and development of advanced GaN semiconductors, essential for the next generation of wireless transmitters in defence applications, ranging from radars to electronic warfare jammers.
In October 2024, AGNIT Semiconductors secured seed funding of US$3.5 million, led by 3one4 Capital and Zephyr Peacock India.
Suhora
Founded: 2018
Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Suhora is a Space Analytics provider for informed decision-making for defence and intelligence, and disaster and insurance industries. Suhora’s Mirka provides near real-time insights, allowing defence and intelligence agencies to transition from reactive to proactive strategies. Its advanced capabilities allow precise aircraft detection. Its MapVyuh provides proactive border surveillance with precision irrespective of scale.
Vymanik Aerospace
Founded: 2019
Headquarters: Ghazibaad, Uttar Pradesh
Vymanik Aerospace is a drone manufacturer and aerial surveillance solution company, offering services in Surveying & Mapping, Inspection & Monitoring, and Aerial Photo & Videography.
Adyaha Ways Pvt Ltd
Founded: 2019
Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana
Adyaha Ways Pvt Ltd is a multidisciplinary, research-based company catering to the demands of diverse industries, including aerospace and defence. The company provides engineering solutions to the problems occurring in the field of science and technology. The services of Adyaha Ways include missile design systems, aircraft design and analysis, and UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles).
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India’s defense tech startup ecosystem spans multiple technological domains, each addressing specific requirements to strengthen the nation’s defense capabilities. Artificial intelligence, mixed reality, semiconductor, and cybersecurity remain critical focus areas, with several startups developing indigenous solutions and driving innovation in India’s defense sector.
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