IG Defence is in advanced negotiations with Gulf nations to export its indigenous KAL long-range attack drone, with the company expecting to secure orders within the current financial year.
The Odisha-based startup is simultaneously competing for domestic Indian military contracts for 1,000-km-class kamikaze drones, signaling a dual-track strategy to capture both export and homegrown defense demand.
The development underscores the growing appetite for unmanned aerial systems in the Middle East, where security concerns have intensified following recent Iranian drone and missile strikes on Bahrain and Kuwait.
These attacks have prompted Gulf states to accelerate procurement of defensive and offensive capabilities, creating a favorable market for Indian defense exporters.
This move aligns with broader efforts by New Delhi to expand its defense export footprint.
The Indian government is also engaged in preliminary discussions with the United Arab Emirates regarding the potential sale of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, indicating a coordinated push to position Indian technology as a viable alternative to traditional Western suppliers.