Analysis · AI & Deep Tech

Armory founder says India's self-reliance in defence tech is emerging

By Startup Enthusiast · 25 March 2026

What they do

Armory is a drone defence company focused on building software-defined hardware for military use

The company's founder, Amardeep Singh, highlights the growing importance of AI and software in India's defence sector

India's defence budget has increased significantly, but challenges remain in manufacturing and attracting talent

India's defence tech sector is growing rapidly, with nearly 90% of $78 Mn raised by startups coming in 2025 alone.
Armory's founder, Amardeep Singh, says this period marks the birth of India's self-reliance in defence technology.
India's software capabilities are strong, but manufacturing at the scale and precision needed for defence remains a challenge.
The defence budget increased by 15.19% to ₹7.85 Lakh Cr in FY27, supporting indigenisation efforts.
The iDEX scheme funds startups up to ₹25 Cr, and the Army Design Bureau publishes problem statements for startups to bid against.
Talent attraction is a major bottleneck, as defence startups struggle to compete with compensation in mainstream tech sectors.
India's defence stack is moving toward a software-first, AI-led approach, but core electronics and IP still depend on foreign sources.
Armory's CEO envisions software-defined hardware that allows drones to be upgraded post-delivery.
Current priorities include computer vision, automated threat classification, and edge-deployed AI in air-gapped environments.
Preet Sandhu of AVPL International says AI integration is essential for drones to be effective in modern warfare.

India's defence budget growth and policy support are creating a more structured procurement path for startups.
Despite progress, India still relies on foreign sources for core IP in electronic components like drone controllers and motherboards.
VCs are increasingly investing in defence tech startups, focusing on drones, autonomous systems, and digital warfare.
The gap between surface-level indigenisation and true self-reliance remains a challenge for India's defence sector.

Armory is a drone defence company focused on building software-defined hardware for military use.
The company aims to provide long-term value and security by allowing drones to be upgraded post-delivery.
Armory's current priorities include computer vision, automated threat classification, and edge-deployed AI in air-gapped environments.
The company's technology is designed to operate without relying on public cloud infrastructure.
Armory's approach is part of a broader shift in India's defence sector toward AI and software-driven systems.

Product: Indigenous counter-drone systems that detect, track, and neutralise rogue drones.
Customers: Indian defence and security customers, especially the Ministry of Defence and armed forces.
How it makes money: Develops and sells defence systems through government and defence procurement contracts.
What sets it apart: Uses an AI-led defence operating system and proprietary counter-drone technology.
Operations: Designs and manufactures C-UAS systems and deploys them for field trials and military use.