IZI Enterprise secures DRDO order for indigenous VANA Multi-Mission Surveillance Drone

Bhopal: Bhopal-based drone technology company IZI Enterprise has secured an order from the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE) on November 2, for the supply and deployment of its indigenous VANA surveillance drones. The order marked a step forward for domestic unmanned aerial systems in specialised defence research and evaluation applications.

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Under the order, VANA will support aerial photogrammetry, precision mapping, terrain and ground-feature data collection, surveillance and aerial observation. The platform will also provide optical and thermal imaging, real-time transmission of aerial video and mission data, and autonomous waypoint-based navigation for technical analysis and evaluation.

The drone features high-resolution imaging, RGB and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, satellite-based navigation and onboard sensors, supported by a dedicated Ground Control Station. Its mission-management capabilities include automated flight planning, geofencing, camera and altitude control, and flight-data logging for post-mission analysis.

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As part of the engagement, IZI will provide two Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)-certified pilots for the first year to support flight operations and help transfer piloting capabilities to designated personnel during the warranty period. The company described VANA as an indigenous platform designed for specialised government and institutional applications.

The order highlighted the growing role of Indian private-sector companies in supplying domestically developed unmanned systems to defence establishments. However, the contract value, number of drones ordered and deployment timeline have not been publicly disclosed in the available reports.

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