Indian defence firm secures anti-drone technology licence from US company

Paras Defence, a prominent Indian defence manufacturer, has entered into a licensing arrangement with Powered to produce and commercialise the Guardian-1 anti-drone system within Indian territory. The agreement, finalised in June 2026, grants Paras Defence exclusive manufacturing and distribution rights for the advanced counter-unmanned aerial vehicle technology.

The Guardian-1 system represents a significant addition to India's indigenous defence technology portfolio, addressing growing concerns over unauthorised drone operations and airspace security threats. The technology's deployment is expected to support military, paramilitary, and critical infrastructure protection requirements across the country.

Powered, the US-based technology provider, has positioned this partnership as part of broader efforts to enhance defence capabilities among regional allies. The licensing model is designed to support India's self-reliance objectives while ensuring transfer of critical manufacturing expertise to domestic facilities.

The agreement underscores India's ongoing focus on developing domestic solutions for emerging security challenges, particularly in counter-unmanned systems where technological advancement has accelerated significantly in recent years. Industry analysts note that such technology partnerships can strengthen India's position in regional defence capabilities while supporting the government's Make in India initiative.