India's 'first drone war' puts country's UAV makers in spotlight

Demand boost expected in wake of conflict with Pakistan

An Indian army soldier controls a drone during a mock drill in Indian-controlled Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch sector in August 2023. India's drone makers are expected to see a jump in business after New Delhi deployed many unmanned vehicles in fighting with Pakistan. © AP

SOUMYAJIT SAHA

May 16, 2025 17:27 JST

MUMBAI -- India's drone making companies have seen surges in their share prices as anticipation rises for increased business following New Delhi's deployment of unmanned vehicles in the recent fighting with Pakistan.

Shares of suppliers of drones and related technologies -- such as Solar Industries, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), IdeaForge and Astra Microwave -- were up between 5% and 46% as of Thursday's close compared with May 6, the night of which India first launched its military action.