Mahindra Demonstrates Counter-Drone Technology to Prayagraj Police for Kumbh Mela

New Delhi: Mahindra Group recently showcased its cutting-edge counter-drone technology to the Prayagraj Police in Uttar Pradesh, with an eye toward its potential deployment during the upcoming Kumbh Mela in January-February 2025. 

Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, highlighted the importance of such solutions, emphasizing their critical role in both civilian and defence applications. In a social media post accompanied by images of the demonstration, Mahindra stated, “Drones are going to be the most critical pieces of hardware in both Defence and Civil Protection in the future. We must be second to none in this area. Counter-drone systems are perhaps even more important as we have witnessed in the Middle East recently.”

“We were pleased to do a demo to the UP Prayagraj Police and they are exploring the use of our solution for the Kumbh mela,” he added.

He elaborated on Mahindra’s differentiated counter-drone solution, which is designed to protect people, critical assets, and missions through autonomous and integrated capabilities. The system incorporates detection, tracking, identification, and mitigation functions within a single, cohesive setup.

Advanced Technology and Strategic Partnership

Mahindra’s counter-drone solution is powered by an advanced Command and Control (C2) module and focuses on Radio Frequency (RF)-based detection and mitigation technologies. It can be deployed to secure critical urban infrastructure or integrated into broader multi-layered Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) for defence scenarios.

The initiative aligns with the government of India’s ‘Make in India’ program, promoting indigenous manufacturing and the transfer of advanced technologies. Earlier this year, Mahindra Group signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Israel-based Sentrycs Ltd. to develop these solutions.

The MoU focuses on the development of differentiated anti-drone systems for both civilian and military applications, emphasizing the Transfer of Technology (TOT) and the local manufacturing of RF-based solutions. This partnership aims to address India’s growing need for robust anti-drone technologies amid rising concerns over unmanned aerial threats.

Counter-Drone Applications for Kumbh Mela

The Prayagraj Police are exploring the use of Mahindra’s counter-drone system for the Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Ensuring safety during the event, which attracts millions of pilgrims, is a significant logistical challenge, and Mahindra’s technology could provide an effective solution for managing aerial threats.

Growing Relevance of Anti-Drone Technology

Drones, inexpensive yet destructive tools, have highlighted vulnerabilities in both civilian and military infrastructures. India, too, has been ramping up its anti-drone capabilities to safeguard critical assets and maintain national security.

Mahindra’s counter-drone solution represents a crucial step in fortifying India’s defences against such threats while enhancing public safety during large-scale events like the Kumbh Mela.