3 weeks ago
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) has signed a contract with IG Drones, a Gurugram-based drone technology company, to implement a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) tool tracking system.
This system aims to enhance airbase safety and efficiency by streamlining tool management and inventory tracking. This move will modernise airbase operations under India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, promoting the country’s ‘Make-in-India’ defence and aerospace manufacturing.
The system will initially be piloted at Gwalior Airbase before being expanded to other IAF and Army airbases. The IAF operates over 60 airbases across the country.
Implementing the BLE system will help minimise Foreign Object Debris (FOD) damage by enabling real-time tracking and automated alerts for tools left on runways.
Traditionally, manual tool tracking and runway clearance take about two to three hours. The new system integrates AI-driven inventory management and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technology, reducing operational downtime and ensuring tool accountability.
This advanced tracking system comes after the company recently won the defence ministry’s iDEX challenge, which supports innovative defence projects through funding for startups and MSMEs with funding up to ₹1.5 crore.
Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, founder of IG Drones, noted, “Winning the iDEX challenge and deploying our BLE tool tracking system for the IAF is a proud moment for us. This technology not only enhances operational safety but also streamlines maintenance efficiency.”
The system offers an extended charging cycle of six to eight months, reducing maintenance efforts and ensuring uninterrupted operations. Once the pilot project is completed, the IAF plans to expand the system to other airbases, enhancing mission readiness and airbase security.
In February this year, IG Drones also helped launch India’s first Drone Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in Odisha’s Kalahandi district under the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY).
The initiative, led by parliamentarian Sujeet Kumar, aimed to equip tribal youth and women with drone technology skills. It also supports India’s expanding drone industry, which aims to grow drone operations from 27,000 to over one lakh.
Previously, in an interview with AIM, Sanghapriya discussed the regulatory landscape for drones in India.
“Although some operational challenges remain, particularly in securing approvals for sensitive zones such as defence areas and no-drone zones, the regulatory mechanism is much more streamlined than before,” he added.
