IG Drones Rebrands As IG Defence, Appoints Senior Retired Military Officials As Strategic Advisors
Drone manufacturer IG Drones has rebranded to IG Defence, signaling a shift from drone-focused operations to a comprehensive defence technology organization. The company aims to develop indigenous, battle-ready defence systems aligned with India's Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. IG Defence has appointed three retired military officials as strategic advisors: Lt General Anil Kumar Samantara for land systems, Lt General Anil Chait for integrated operations, and Air Commodore Rajendra N Gaekwad for aviation systems. These appointments bring extensive military experience to guide the company's defence technology development across various domains.

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Drone manufacturer IG Drones announced its strategic rebranding to IG Defence on Wednesday, marking a significant transformation from a drone-focused company to a comprehensive defence technology organisation. The rebranding reflects the company's alignment with growth in the defence segment and its commitment to developing indigenous defence capabilities.
Strategic Transformation and Vision
The company stated that the rebranding represents its shift towards becoming a full-spectrum defence technology organisation. IG Defence aims to build sovereign, reliable, and battle-ready defence systems designed specifically for India's future security requirements, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. This strategic pivot demonstrates the company's commitment to supporting India's self-reliance in defence manufacturing and technology development.
Senior Military Advisory Appointments
To strengthen its operational relevance and execution capabilities, IG Defence has appointed three distinguished retired military officials as strategic advisors. These appointments bring decades of combined military experience across land, air, and integrated operations to guide the company's defence technology development.
| Position | Officer | Former Role | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Land Systems Advisor | Lt General Anil Kumar Samantara | Director General of Infantry | Force modernisation and indigenous defence procurement |
| Integrated Operations Advisor | Lt General Anil Chait | Chief of Integrated Defence Staff | Tri-service coordination and theatre command planning |
| Aviation Systems Advisor | Air Commodore Rajendra N Gaekwad | Indian Air Force Fighter Pilot | Aerospace modernisation and autonomous systems |
Expertise and Operational Focus
Land Systems
Lt General Anil Kumar Samantara will provide guidance on IG Defence's land systems and mission-critical platforms. He brings extensive experience in force modernisation, frontline operational planning, and indigenous defence procurement processes. His expertise will be crucial in developing ground-based defence solutions that meet operational requirements.
Integrated Operations
Lt General Anil Chait's appointment focuses on supporting the company's development of integrated and joint-operations-ready systems. His background in tri-service coordination, theatre command planning, and national-level crisis management will enhance the company's capability to develop comprehensive defence solutions that work across different military branches.
Aviation Systems
Air Commodore Rajendra N Gaekwad will advise on aviation and autonomous systems development, leveraging his extensive background in aerospace modernisation, weapons induction, and future capability planning. His expertise will be particularly valuable as the company expands beyond traditional drone manufacturing into advanced autonomous defence systems.
Defence Sector Alignment
The rebranding initiative represents IG Defence's commitment to long-term capability development for the defence sector. By appointing senior military advisors with diverse operational backgrounds, the company aims to ensure its products and solutions meet real-world operational requirements and contribute effectively to India's defence preparedness. This strategic approach positions IG Defence to play a significant role in the country's defence technology ecosystem while supporting the broader objectives of indigenous defence manufacturing.


























