In an inspiring display of innovation and self-reliance, Havildar Varinder Singh of the 22 Sikh Regiment has developed a highly versatile 35 kg Octacopter drone that can fight and fire, conduct surveillance and monitoring, and deliver payloads to forward and difficult locations. His remarkable achievement has earned him the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), awarded by President Droupadi Murmu for his distinguished service and contribution to enhancing the operational capability of the Indian Army.
A Marvel of ‘Jugaad’ and Indigenous Ingenuity
With ‘Atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) and innovation at the forefront of India’s defense strategy, Havildar Singh’s invention is a shining example of ‘jugaad’ — the Indian spirit of resourcefulness that finds optimal solutions using available resources. While India is investing $3.5 billion in procuring 31 MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems from the United States, Havildar Singh has done his part by designing a mission-ready combat drone that offers a multi-role platform for surveillance, combat, and logistics.
The Octacopter drone has been equipped with real-time video capability, which is displayed on a remote screen and can be shared with command centres. In a remarkable innovation, the drone has also been fitted with both automatic and remote firing mechanisms, making it a versatile asset in both combat and logistical operations.
Tested and Proven Combat Capability
The ‘jugaad’ drone has been rigorously tested in real-time operations. It can be fitted with a wide range of weapons, including:
- AK-47 assault rifles
- Multi-grenade launchers
- High explosive grenades
- Light Machine Guns (LMG) in an under-slung configuration
The drone has an operational range of 8-10 km in plains and high-altitude areas, making it a reliable platform for transporting weapons, ammunition, medicines, and mission-critical supplies to remote locations. Its utility was demonstrated during Operation Teesta following the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in Sikkim in October 2023, where it played a key role in relief and rescue operations. The drone’s capabilities were further validated in major war games, including Bharat Shakti.
Enhanced Capabilities with Advanced Features
To further enhance its effectiveness, the Octacopter has been integrated with GPS, night-enabled zooming cameras for surveillance, and autonomous flight capabilities via mission-planning software. It is compatible with both Defence Series Maps and open-source mapping systems, ensuring deployment flexibility in diverse terrains and operational environments.
From Humble Beginnings to a Combat-Ready Platform
Havildar Varinder Singh’s journey of innovation began in 2023 with humble tinkering around a basic hexacopter prototype. Through persistent effort and dedication, his prototype evolved into a combat-ready, multi-role Octacopter drone that is now capable of fulfilling critical military roles with precision and efficiency.
Recognition for Distinguished Service
For his exceptional contribution, Havildar Varinder Singh was conferred the Vishisht Seva Medal by President Droupadi Murmu. The award is presented to Indian armed forces personnel for “distinguished service of a high order,” and Havildar Singh’s innovation has rightfully earned him this honor.
As India strides towards technological self-reliance in defence, Havildar Singh’s invention serves as a testament to the ingenuity, dedication, and spirit of innovation that continues to define the Indian Army’s quest for operational excellence.
