In a move to bolster India’s defense and civilian security capabilities, the Mahindra Group has entered into a strategic partnership with Israeli company Sentrycs Ltd. The two companies have signed a Non-Binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at exploring opportunities for developing and providing cutting-edge anti-drone solutions within the country.
This collaboration aligns with the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, focusing on the transfer of technology and the domestic manufacturing of radio frequency-based counter-drone systems. These systems are designed to detect, track, identify, and neutralize unauthorized drones, offering enhanced protection for both civilian infrastructure and military assets.
The proposed anti-drone system is equipped with an autonomous command and control (C2) module that not only monitors drone flight paths but also identifies specific models, serial numbers, and IDs. This capability is crucial for distinguishing between friendly and hostile drones. When a threat is detected, the system can autonomously take control of the drone, guiding it to land safely in a designated area, thereby minimizing any potential damage.
Vinod Sahay, President of Mahindra’s Aerospace & Defence Sector, emphasized the significance of the MoU, stating, “We are proud to contribute to the protection of our nation. This partnership with Sentrycs will enable us to explore new opportunities in the anti-drone space, enhancing our technological offerings and aligning with the ‘Make in India’ vision.”
Echoing this sentiment, Yoav Zaltzman, CEO of Sentrycs, highlighted the importance of the Indian market and the growing threat posed by drones in modern conflicts. “Our collaboration with Mahindra will bring forth a multi-layered, adaptive counter-drone solution that is uniquely tailored to the Indian landscape,” he said.
This partnership marks a significant step forward in developing advanced, locally manufactured counter-drone technologies that can effectively safeguard India’s critical infrastructure and military assets.