The rapid proliferation of drones has created new security challenges, making counter-unmanned aerial systems (counter-UAS) a critical defense priority. Unnayan Defence Technologies is addressing this need with its Antim Astra 40, a handheld hard-kill system designed for easy portability and single-operator use, offering an efficient solution to neutralize enemy drones.
Solving a Unique Challenge in Defense Tech
Developing a first-of-its-kind counter-drone system came with its own hurdles. As an R&D-heavy startup, Unnayan Defence Technologies struggled to identify and recruit top-tier talent due to the lack of prior benchmarks for assessing candidates. The team overcame this by fostering a strong research-driven culture and actively collaborating with industry experts and defense specialists.
CIE’s Impact on Growth
Joining CIE IIIT Hyderabad was a strategic move for Unnayan Defence Technologies. The access to Hyderabad’s tech ecosystem, top research talent, and IIIT Hyderabad’s faculty played a crucial role in shaping the startup’s early growth. Since setting up at CIE, the company has expanded from a four-member team to fifteen, with plans to double its size in the coming months.
Scaling for the Future
Unnayan Defence Technologies is entering a $100 billion global counter-UAS market, positioning itself as a leader in indigenous defense innovation. Its relentless focus on R&D has been the most rewarding aspect of its journey, with early trials confirming the superiority of its system. A defining milestone was demonstrating Antim Astra 40 to Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh Ji, at Aero India 2025, reinforcing the startup’s role in the Make in India defense initiative.
Advice for Early-Stage Startups
For emerging deep-tech startups, Unnayan Defence Technologies emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the end user. Understanding real-world defense challenges and delivering high-quality, precision-engineered solutions should be at the core of development. The team also advises starting lean with a highly skilled, focused team while maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality from day one.
With its groundbreaking counter-drone solutions, Unnayan Defence Technologies is on a mission to redefine national security through innovation, ensuring a safer and more resilient defense infrastructure for the future.
