Key Points
- VANA tethered UAV demonstrated to Indian Army with 24 to 30 hour continuous flight capability
- Platform operates at altitudes up to 4,000 metres supporting border surveillance missions
- Indian Army reportedly seeking 5,000 tethered drone systems for frontier deployment
Bhopal-based drone manufacturer IZI has demonstrated its indigenously developed VANA tethered unmanned aerial vehicle to the Indian Army, showcasing a system capable of 24 to 30 hours of continuous aerial surveillance for border security and critical infrastructure protection.
The demonstration marks an advance in Indian-made persistent surveillance capabilities at a time when the Army is reportedly seeking 5,000 tethered drone systems for deployment across challenging frontier environments.
Tethered drones remain physically connected to a ground power source by cable, enabling far longer flight times than battery-powered alternatives that typically offer one to two hours of endurance.
The VANA platform carries an altitude ceiling of 4,000 metres above mean sea level, roughly 13,123 feet, making it suitable for high-altitude deployments along India’s mountainous borders.
In tethered configuration, the drone operates at up to 100 metres above ground level, approximately 328 feet, providing elevated persistent observation over a fixed area.
Surveillance payload
The system integrates an EO/IR/LRF sensor package. This combines electro-optical cameras that capture visual imagery, infrared sensors that detect heat signatures for night and low-visibility conditions, and a laser rangefinder that measures precise distances to targets. The modular payload design allows sensors to be swapped depending on mission requirements.
The extended endurance places VANA among a small group of Indian-developed tethered platforms in the 24-hour operational class, a category growing in relevance as defence planners prioritise persistent surveillance over short-duration sorties.
Publicly available Indian systems in this segment include platforms advertising continuous tethered operation of similar duration.
A 2025 request for information from the Indian Army reportedly outlined a requirement for 5,000 tethered drone systems. The requirement includes tethered operation at significant heights and extended-duration surveillance, indicating the scale of procurement the armed forces are considering for frontier deployment.
The Army representatives who attended the demonstration responded positively, according to IZI. The company said the engagement has opened technical and operational discussions around potential applications for persistent surveillance.
Manufacturing scale
Ishan Haydn, founder, IZI, said the VANA demonstration reflects a broader research and development effort rather than a response to a single procurement opportunity. He said the company is building engineering capability to address increasingly complex aerial system challenges over the long term.
By the numbers
- 24-30 hours
- Continuous tethered flight endurance
- 5,000 units
- Tethered drones sought by Indian Army
- ₹50 crore
- IZI manufacturing facility investment
The development is supported by domestic manufacturing infrastructure the company has established in Madhya Pradesh. Earlier this year, IZI commissioned a drone manufacturing facility with a reported investment of ₹50 crore.
Phase one capacity is planned for 10,000 consumer drones and 1,000 industrial drones annually, providing a production base for the company’s expanding portfolio of aerial systems.
India’s defence drone sector has grown rapidly as the armed forces seek indigenous alternatives to imported platforms. Tethered systems are particularly valued for static surveillance applications where continuous operation matters more than mobility, including base perimeter security, border observation posts and protection of critical infrastructure.
Your Questions, Answered
What is a tethered drone and how does it differ from regular drones?
A tethered drone remains physically connected to a ground power source by cable, enabling continuous flight of 24 hours or more. Regular battery-powered drones typically offer one to two hours of flight time before requiring recharging or battery replacement.
What surveillance capabilities does the VANA drone offer?
The VANA carries an EO/IR/LRF payload combining electro-optical cameras for visual imagery, infrared sensors for heat detection in darkness, and a laser rangefinder for precise distance measurement to targets.
At what altitude can the VANA tethered drone operate?
The platform has a ceiling of 4,000 metres above mean sea level for high-altitude deployment. In tethered configuration, it operates at up to 100 metres above ground level for persistent observation.
How many tethered drones is the Indian Army reportedly seeking?
A 2025 request for information from the Indian Army reportedly outlined a requirement for 5,000 tethered drone systems for deployment in frontier environments requiring persistent surveillance.
