ideaForge Q6 V2 GEO Wins DGCA Certification for Enterprise UAV Ops

ideaForge Technology Limited, India’s leading UAV technology company, today announced DGCA Type Certification for the Q6 V2 GEO, a multi-purpose enterprise and geospatial UAV designed for advanced surveillance, mapping, inspection, and multi-sensor aerial data acquisition, under the Drone Rules, 2021, in the Small category (2 to 25 kg).

The Q6 V2 GEO addresses the growing demand for reliable aerial surveillance, mapping, surveying, and geospatial data acquisition across enterprise and government operations, spanning infrastructure, mining, utilities, urban planning, forestry, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and disaster response.

Launched at PRAGYA 2025 as part of ideaForge’s geospatial technology initiatives, the platform supports five payload configurations: LiDAR, LiDAR with RGB imaging, high-resolution photogrammetry, 3D oblique imaging, and dual (day & night) payload operations. The platform is suited for applications such as perimeter surveillance and patrolling, terrain modelling, corridor mapping, volumetric analysis, infrastructure inspection, environmental assessment, glacier and avalanche mapping, river basin conservation, rural land digitisation, and high-resolution heritage and terrain documentation across challenging environments.

The Q6 V2 GEO is part of ideaForge's complete enterprise and geospatial stack, operating with the BlueFire Touch ground control system for terrain-adaptive mission planning and multi-UAV coordination, and FLYGHT CLOUD for video data analysis, mission data management, and processing orthomosaics, point clouds, NDVI layers, and 3D terrain models in the cloud. Together, the platform and the stack deliver an end-to-end workflow from flight to certified data output.

Commenting on the milestone, Mr Ankit Mehta, Co-founder & CEO, ideaForge Technology Limited, said: “We are pleased that Q6 V2 GEO has received DGCA Type Certification. The platform has been developed to address the growing need for reliable aerial intelligence, surveillance, mapping, and geospatial data acquisition across enterprise and government applications supporting safety, security, and governance operations. With support for advanced payloads including LiDAR, Q6 V2 GEO is designed to operate in demanding environments while enabling high-quality data capture for a wide range of surveying, mapping, and inspection workflows.”

With up to 45+ minutes of flight time, the Q6 V2 GEO is designed to support demanding survey and mapping operations across varied terrain and operational environments. This certification further expands ideaForge’s portfolio of DGCA-certified UAV platforms deployed across defence, homeland security, civil, and enterprise applications.

ideaForge inks MoU with Japan's DMP to Expand Global Footprint in Next-Gen AI Drones

ideaForge Technology Limited, India’s leading drone technology player, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Digital Media Professionals Inc. (DMP), a leading AI technology provider in Japan. Under this partnership, ideaForge will develop next-generation Di1-powered AI drones and enter the Japanese market with DMP's support, marking a major step forward for India's deep-tech global expansion.

As the global drone market surges from USD 54.9 billion in 2024 to USD 117.6 billion by 2030, Japan’s market is slated to grow from USD 2.0 billion in 2025 to USD 5.1 billion by 2034. To enable this growth, Edge AI is critical for drone-based autonomous solutions in defense, security, & industrial applications. The Di1 edge AI SoC from DMP has FP4-based NPU for high-performance, low-power, 4-channel camera for 360-degree vision, and strong imagery, which works in tandem with ideaForge’s rugged, secure, autonomous, and resilient field-proven VTOL drones to perform robust autonomous flight in severe environments and complex terrains. Together, ideaForge’s UAS end-to-end expertise and DMP’s Physical AI arm bring smarter and safer autonomous systems for accelerated adoption.

The partnership is focused on two key areas where ideaForge will provide the Di1 integration in its UAV platforms to enable new features, and DMP will be the Go To Market (GTM) partner for ideaForge’s drone solutions portfolio in Japan, enabling demonstrations, customer outreach, distribution, training, and after sales support.

On this occasion, Mr. Ankit Mehta, CEO and Co-founder, ideaForge Technology Ltd said, “Our vision at ideaForge is to build next-generation intelligent unmanned aircraft systems by seamlessly integrating advanced design, engineering, manufacturing capabilities, and cutting-edge AI technologies. This collaboration with DMP aligns perfectly with our broader strategy to develop high-performance, customizable AI for defense autonomy drones that efficiently address diverse global market needs from defense surveillance and border security to industrial infrastructure inspection and precision agriculture. Through this collaboration, we would be able to leverage DMP’s strong presence and understanding of the Japanese market to accelerate our global expansion initiatives and will provide smarter, more efficient, and sustainable autonomous drone systems that deliver real-time decision-making, extended endurance, and unmatched reliability in the most demanding environments.”

Tatsuo Yamamoto, Chairman, President & CEO, Digital Media Professionals Inc., added: “We are thrilled to partner with ideaForge, a global leader in mission-critical drones, to integrate our Di1 edge AI SoC into their next-generation UAV platforms. This MOU accelerates Di1’s accelerated deployment while enabling DMP to bring ideaForge’s rugged, high-endurance, and resilient drones to Japan’s defence, security, and industrial markets. We will work together to create Physical AI-powered solutions that change the way drones operate in terms of safety, accuracy, and independence.”

This collaboration is a critical milestone in the global expansion of ideaForge, leveraging Indian deep-tech innovation and Japanese AI expertise to create mission-critical defense, security, and industrial drones for the Japanese market. ideaForge already has an established presence in the United States through its joint venture, First Forge Technology, focused on manufacturing and distribution in the region. By creating a flexible framework for joint development and market entry, the two companies are poised to capitalize on high-growth opportunities while pioneering sustainable, autonomous aviation technologies that transform resilience and efficiency in operations.

India’s ideaForge Takes Flight: First to Train NATO Forces at U.S. NTPS

In a landmark moment for India’s indigenous defence technology ecosystem, ideaForge Technology Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of ideaForge Technology Limited), a leading global drone technology company, has commenced a specialised UAV flight-test training programme for NATO military personnel at the prestigious National Test Pilot School (NTPS), United States. Marking the first such initiative by an Indian UAV player, ideaForge will deploy its NATO-certified SWITCH UAV platform as part of a specialised hands-on drone flight-testing programme. The selection of an Indian organisation by NTPS reflects the country's global recognition in advanced defence technologies and acceptance for homegrown UAV platforms in tactical use cases worldwide.

The week-long exercise, commencing on March 9, will equip NATO’s military personnel from across four continents through an immersive exercise. The key participants include the Royal Canadian Air Force, Israeli Air Force, Indian Navy, German Defence Forces (Bundeswehr), Australian Air Force, Italian Air Force, Sweden, and the United States Air Force. The programme will enhance monitoring, analysis, and tactical capabilities in mission planning and execution. Participants will undergo structured modules that will cover flight-test planning, operational deployment, telemetry monitoring, payload operations, mission evaluation, and post-flight data analysis. The exercises are designed to replicate real operational scenarios, enabling trainees to assess UAV performance across critical missions while gaining end-to-end exposure to integrated aerial systems used in diverse defence operations.

Sharing views on the training programme Mr. Ankit Mehta, CEO and Co-Founder, ideaForge Technology Ltd, said, “With the changing global order and geopolitical landscape, it is important for forces to stay updated and relevant in electronic warfare and continue upgrading and strengthening their capabilities. Training NATO military forces on an Indian-developed platform demonstrates that deep-tech innovation from India can contribute meaningfully to global defence preparedness. Also, our growing international engagements, including the strengthening partnership with First Breach for the JV, First Forge, and the emerging opportunities to work with law enforcement agencies in the United States, further reinforce the global relevance of our platforms. These developments reflect increasing confidence in Indian UAV technology and signal the expanding role of ideaForge in supporting mission-critical operations across defence and homeland security globally.”

SWITCH is known for delivering high operational performance across intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and tactical missions. The platform is engineered to function reliably across varied terrains and extreme climatic conditions. Its lightweight hybrid design enables long-range, high-altitude, last-mile surveillance and security operations with enhanced precision.

Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. Luca Campello, President, National Test Pilot School, said: “NTPS partnered with ideaForge UAV to provide hands-on UAV flight-test training. The platform allows students to practice real flight-test planning, execution, telemetry monitoring, and data analysis in a safe and cost-effective environment. NTPS has confidence in the platform due its operational pedigree, which integrates air vehicle, sensors, datalink, and ground control station. Students are exposed to the complete systems test process, from test card development, test execution, data analysis and test reporting. NTPS greatly appreciates the professionalism and support of the ideaForge team, whose partnership helps make the training both realistic and highly effective.”

While the current programme focuses on training and testing, the collaboration opens pathways for deeper engagement between ideaForge and international defence stakeholders. Being first of its kind, this initiative creates opportunities for long-term institutional partnerships and future platform adoption.

About ideaForge Technology Limited

ideaForge is a pioneer and the pre-eminent market leader in the Indian unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry. With a mission-first approach, we deliver cutting-edge drones engineered for unmatched performance, autonomy, and reliability, redefining possibilities in security, mapping, surveillance, and disaster response applications across militaries and enterprises.

With India’s largest operational deployment of indigenous UAVs, an ideaForge drone takes off every 3 minutes, enabling over 8,50,000 successful flights. Ranked 3rd globally among the world’s Top Dual-Use Drone Manufacturers by Drone Industry Insights (DRONEII) Global Drone Review 2024, ideaForge continues to set benchmarks in innovation and excellence.

Since pioneering India’s first VTOL UAVs in 2009, we have expanded with advanced R&D and manufacturing hubs in Navi Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and the USA, driving the development of indigenously designed and built solutions. Backed by marquee investors, including Qualcomm, Infosys, Celesta Capital, Florintree, EXIM Bank, and Infina Finance, ideaForge is at the forefront of revolutionising unmanned systems.

Discover more: www.ideaforgetech.com

Indian Army signs a $20 Million Contract with ideaForge to Procure SWITCH UAV

MUMBAI, India, Jan. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Indian Army has signed an approximately $20 million contract for undisclosed quantities of a high-altitude variant of ideaForge's SWITCH UAV which will be delivered over a period of 1 year. ideaForge has been awarded this contract after it emerged as the only vendor that qualified the operational requirements in an evaluation done in real-world conditions, for a fast-track procurement. The contract marks a strategic shift in the Indian defence procurement process as the Indian Army goes on an aggressive modernization drive. It has also cemented ideaForge's position as India's largest manufacturer of drones for defence, homeland security and industrial applications.

SWITCH UAV is an indigenous system built to cater for the most demanding surveillance operations of the Indian Forces. This Fixed Wing VTOL (Vertical Take-off and Landing) UAV can be deployed at high altitude and harsh environments for day and night surveillance in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. It is man-portable and has the highest time on target compared to any other UAV in its class.

Speaking on the development, ideaForge CEO, Ankit Mehta said, "SWITCH UAV is the culmination of insights and knowledge we have gained over years of experience in helping the Indian Forces operationalize UAVs in their ranks. The trials saw about a dozen national and global players compete to meet the operational requirements. SWITCH UAV is the only product that cleared the Indian Army's stringent product trials and surpassed expectations. It is a testimony of the fact that our systems are built like a bird and tested like a tank. Our systems are fully ready to serve nations that seek to protect their territorial sovereignty."

"A combination of world-class technology and a deep understanding of customer requirements has resulted in ideaForge bagging this contract against global competition. With the backing of reputed institutional investors such as WRVI, Infosys and Qualcomm, ideaForge is all set to grow rapidly. We plan to work with like-minded investors and partners to achieve our vision of premier drone company serving enterprise, security and surveillance market globally," said Ganapathy Subramaniam, Partner - WRVI Venture Capital who also serves as Executive Chairman - ideaForge.

About ideaForge

Built on a strong foundation of interdisciplinary engineering, ideaForge has become a global leader in UAV technology. Its drones offer class-leading performance and reliability, and have been widely adopted for defence, homeland security and enterprise applications. In India, ideaForge has by far the largest market share in the security, surveillance and industrial market of drones. Its customers include Indian Defence Forces, Central Armed Police Forces and State Police Forces, and have conducted over 150,000 missions using its drones. ideaForge has a diverse list of industrial customers as well in sectors such as geospatial surveying, oil & gas, mining and many more. For more information, visit www.ideaforge.co.in