NewsStocksIndian Army Procures Navy-Developed Unmanned Fire Fighting Vehicle Under iDEX InitiativeIndian Army Procures Navy-Developed Unmanned Fire Fighting Vehicle Under iDEX Initiative
The Indian Army signed a contract with M/s Swadeshi Empresa Pvt Ltd on January 13, 2026, to procure an unmanned Fire Fighting vehicle under the iDEX initiative. Originally developed for the Indian Navy, this marks the first inter-service technology transfer using Single Stage Composite Trial provisions. The remote-operated vehicle enhances firefighter safety during high-risk industrial, ammunition, and infrastructure fire emergencies. The Army is also advancing 22 iDEX projects to trial stage while undertaking spiral development of delivered projects.
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The Indian Army has signed a procurement contract under the Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative to acquire an unmanned Fire Fighting vehicle, marking a significant milestone in inter-service technology collaboration. The contract was executed with M/s Swadeshi Empresa Pvt Ltd on January 13, 2026, at the Capability Development Directorate of the Indian Army in New Delhi.
Inter-Service Technology Transfer
The Fire Fighting Robot was originally developed for the Indian Navy under the iDEX framework of the Defence Innovation Organisation. The Army stated that this decision aligns with its commitment to "Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat @2047." This procurement represents the first time the Indian Army is acquiring an iDEX product developed for another service using provisions that allow inter-service technology transfer after a Single Stage Composite Trial (SSCT).
| Contract Details: | Information |
|---|---|
| Signing Date: | January 13, 2026 |
| Vendor: | M/s Swadeshi Empresa Pvt Ltd |
| Location: | Capability Development Directorate, New Delhi |
| Original Developer: | Indian Navy (iDEX framework) |
| Transfer Mechanism: | Single Stage Composite Trial (SSCT) |
Defence officials highlighted that this mechanism offers several advantages:
- Avoids duplication of development efforts
- Reduces development timelines
- Supports effective inter-service technology transfer
Technical Capabilities and Applications
The Fire Fighting Robot is an unmanned ground vehicle specifically designed to function in high-risk fire environments where human entry poses significant danger. The system can be operated remotely and comes equipped with firefighting systems to control and suppress fires from a safe distance.
The Army emphasized that this capability will substantially improve operational safety for its firefighters during various emergency scenarios:
- Industrial fire emergencies
- Ammunition-related fire incidents
- Infrastructure fire situations
iDEX Initiative Progress
iDEX, operating under the Defence Innovation Organisation, serves as a crucial bridge connecting the Armed Forces with start-ups and innovators. The initiative provides comprehensive support including funding, testing facilities, and procurement pathways for defence technology solutions.
The Indian Army is actively advancing its iDEX portfolio through multiple initiatives. The service is undertaking spiral development of already delivered iDEX projects to enhance performance based on user feedback. Additionally, nearly 22 iDEX projects are progressing to the trial stage after completing prototype development, demonstrating the initiative's growing impact on defence modernization efforts.
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