Defence is no longer just about tanks, missiles, and fighter jets. The future of warfare is unmanned, agile, and intelligent, powered by drones.

According to the Accel Advanced Manufacturing Report 2025, global defence budgets are increasingly shifting towards UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) because of their efficiency, scalability, and precision.

At InsideFPV, we see this transformation reshaping how militaries adopt drones, from surveillance to combat missions. And enabling this shift is one critical driver: advanced manufacturing technologies.

Why Defence Needs Next-Gen Drones

The modern battlefield demands:

Speed - Rapid deployment in contested zones
Lightweight materials - Longer flight endurance
Scalability - Fleets that can be built and deployed cost-effectively

Drones meet all these needs. Their ability to enter dangerous zones, complete missions with precision, and reduce risks for soldiers makes them indispensable.

With additive manufacturing (3D printing), parts can now be produced faster and cheaper. This allows defence forces to design, test, and field UAVs much more quickly.

This combination of agility, cost-effectiveness, and innovation is what makes drones the future of both surveillance and combat operations.

Also read: Best ways to extend defence drones flight time

Advanced manufacturing is transforming defence drones

New manufacturing technologies are reshaping how drones are built and used.

#1 Additive manufacturing and 3D printing

Defence forces can now print spare parts directly in the field, reducing downtime and improving mission readiness.

3D printing also makes it easier to design lightweight frames with optimized aerodynamics, resulting in drones that fly farther and last longer.

#2 AI and predictive analytics

Artificial intelligence enables drones to adapt in real time, optimize flight paths, and make smarter mission decisions. Predictive analytics ensures that issues are detected before they become failures, keeping fleets in action with higher reliability.

#3 Advanced materials and composites

Lightweight composites and recyclable materials are improving endurance while supporting sustainability goals.

Drones made with advanced materials are not only stealthier but also capable of carrying heavier payloads without compromising speed or range.

India’s growing role in defence drones

India has adapted drones as a strategic priority.

With the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, defence budgets are focusing heavily on indigenous UAVs. This has opened opportunities for Indian startups and established players to deliver next generation platforms designed for the country’s unique operational needs.

In the last year, India has witnessed successful trials of indigenous UAVs capable of both surveillance and precision strikes.

New defence drone facilities are being inaugurated across the country, and private companies are stepping forward with innovations ranging from swarm drones to kamikaze UAVs.

These developments show India is serious about securing a leading role in the global defence drone race.

Also read: How coordinated defence drones decide modern battles

The InsideFPV advantage

InsideFPV builds drones that match modern defence expectations.

Our focus is on combining durability, advanced materials, and AI driven performance to deliver results that matter in the field.

Key strengths include:

Custom FPV drones for tactical training and real time surveillance
Rugged frames designed for harsh terrains and extreme conditions
AI enhanced tuning for precise control and higher mission accuracy

This positions us as not just a drone manufacturer but as a partner in the evolving defence ecosystem.

How advanced manufacturing changes the game for defence

Defence commanders benefit when technology shortens the path from design to deployment.

Rapid prototyping ensures that new drone concepts can be tested and improved within weeks. Lower costs allow defence forces to build larger fleets, and domestic production makes supply chains more secure.

In practical terms, this means:

Faster testing and mission adaptation
Lower per unit costs for large scale deployment
Improved sustainment with spare parts available on site
Resilient fleets ready for long missions without delays

Use cases where drones are growing fast

Drones are already proving their worth in real missions.

Persistent surveillance drones are providing live intelligence over contested areas
Loitering munitions and precision strike drones give commanders new tactical options
Search and rescue drones are saving lives in disaster zones and border areas
Counter drone systems are defending sensitive bases against enemy UAVs

These mission sets show why defence forces are prioritizing drones in their budgets.

Drones are no longer experimental tools. They are now central to defence strategy worldwide. With advanced manufacturing, they are becoming lighter, smarter, and cheaper to produce at scale.

Expert Insights from InsideFPV Drone Team

India’s defence landscape is undergoing a massive transformation, with capex and exports growing at a 16% CAGR. (Image Source: ACCEL)

The report clearly shows how indigenization and autonomous systems are bringing this growth. For drones, this is particularly exciting. This is because India has already earmarked $100M+ for high-altitude logistics drones and $300M for unmanned naval systems.

At InsideFPV, we see this as validation that drones are no longer an experimental add-on, they are central to modern defence strategies. From the 500–600 drones deployed during Operation Sindoor to 28K+ drones used in other world conflicts, the data proves that autonomous systems have become the frontline of warfare.

This aligns perfectly with our mission at InsideFPV - building rugged, intelligent FPV drones that can operate in contested environments while reducing reliance on imports.

As India pushes for self-reliance, we are committed to delivering indigenized drone solutions that strengthen both surveillance and tactical capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are defence drones now essential for modern warfare

They provide rapid deployment, precise strikes, real time intelligence, and lower risk to soldiers, making them indispensable on the battlefield.

How is advanced manufacturing accelerating drone development

Technologies such as 3D printing and advanced composites reduce weight, cut costs, and allow quick prototyping, resulting in faster deployment of drones.

What role does AI play in defence drones

AI enables autonomous missions, real time decision making, optimized flight paths, and predictive maintenance to increase reliability.

How is India building indigenous defence drone capacity

Through initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat, investment in local facilities, and successful trials of homegrown drones designed for both surveillance and combat.

What is InsideFPV’s contribution to the defence ecosystem

InsideFPV develops durable, AI enhanced drones for tactical and surveillance missions, designed with advanced materials to meet India’s growing defence requirements.