KshatraLabs is building a drone that catches other drones
The Bengaluru-based company develops autonomous aerial interceptors designed to detect, track and bring down hostile unmanned aircraft, including swarms.
In October 2025, KshatraLabs, a Bengaluru-based defence robotics company, was established with the goal of developing autonomous counter-drone systems. The company plans to create and deploy such systems across various platforms like air, land, sea, and space.
KshatraLabs is currently building an interceptor drone called HAWK. According to the company, HAWK is an autonomous aerial interceptor capable of detecting, tracking, and neutralising hostile unmanned aircraft at speeds over 89.5 metres per second, or approximately 300 km/h. The drone is designed to launch in under five seconds, providing a crucial advantage in rapid threat scenarios.
HAWK relies on a software-first approach, incorporating external sensors such as radar, electro-optical, and infrared sensors to track and neutralise targets. The drone's autonomy stack, known as APEX, is proprietary and enables the drone to operate effectively even when satellite navigation is unavailable. KshatraLabs is also developing swarm-capable interceptors, which could coordinate with multiple drones to combat larger threats.
The company has conducted hardware-in-the-loop testing at 90 metres per second, simulating real-world scenarios for the drone's performance. KshatraLabs has sought feedback from the Indian Armed Forces regarding the development of hard-kill systems. The drone's design demonstrates the growing trend of counter-drone interception technology, which offers a more versatile and adaptable solution compared to traditional methods like jamming or signal interference.
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