IIT Kanpur Unveils ‘Sabal-50’, India’s Most Powerful Combat-Ready Military Drone
IIT Kanpur is getting ready to launch “Sabal-50,” one of the most sophisticated drones ever created in India, marking a major advancement for domestic defense technology. The drone, which is currently in the pilot stage, is being positioned as not only India’s most potent military unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), but also possibly one of the most capable in the world.
The Sabal-50 is being developed by IIT Kanpur‘s Department of Aerospace Engineering and is intended for use in emergency logistics and combat operations. Professor Abhishek, who previously oversaw the successful deployment of the Sabal-20 drone, is in charge of the project. The Indian Army’s Eastern Command had already received that earlier model, which weighed 20 kg and could have carried a comparable payload.
The upgraded Sabal-50 can carry payloads up to 50 kg and weighs about 150 kg. It has been designed to function in high-altitude regions like Siachen as well as in harsh weather conditions. According to reports, test flights have been carried out at altitudes of up to 17,000 feet.
Sabal-50 is a multipurpose platform, in contrast to traditional UAVs that are primarily used for supply drops or surveillance. It can carry out coordinated combat missions and deliver logistics from the air. The drone can stay in the air for three to four hours, function well in dust or snowstorms, and return with high-resolution reconnaissance imagery thanks to its artificial intelligence and high-visibility cameras, which cost several lakhs.
The drone, which is anticipated to soon go into operational service, has attracted the attention of the Indian military. IIT Kanpur is well-positioned to contribute significantly to India’s expanding domestic defense technology portfolio with Sabal-50, supporting national initiatives under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
CEO, Mavdrones
Pradipta V Mukherjee is the visionary CEO of Mavdrones, driving innovation and growth in the drone industry. With a passion for advanced technology, he leads the company's strategic direction, ensuring Mavdrones stays at the forefront of drone solutions. Under his leadership, Mavdrones has achieved remarkable success, including winning the 'Best Innovation and Technology in Drone Industry' award from ASSOCHAM. Pradipta is committed to revolutionizing the industry through advanced UAV technology, fostering a culture of excellence and forward-thinking within the organization.
Excellent.Proud of such achievements.