Pune, 14 March 2026: In modern warfare and sensitive border zones, GPS signals can be jammed or disabled, which can disrupt drones and unmanned systems. To address this challenge, Pune-based startup SurveyX Technologies has developed an advanced indigenous drone called ‘SurveyX Shambhu’, capable of accurate navigation and surveying even without GPS signals.
Developed under the Make in India initiative, the drone is a fixed-wing tri-copter VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) system designed completely in India, from its airframe to software. The startup has received recognition from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), and the design is currently undergoing the patent process.
The drone can be operated by a single person and does not require a runway or complex launch system. It can remain airborne for more than 90 minutes, allowing rapid deployment in remote and difficult terrain. The project has also benefited from guidance by Wing Commander Vijay Sreedasyam (Retd.), Rahul Sawlani, and Rajasinh Nimbalkar.
SurveyX Technologies founder and CEO Yogesh Bhosale said, “Drone technology has become extremely important in modern warfare. Drones are used for border patrol, terrain surveys, target identification and gathering strategic intelligence. However, traditional drones can become ineffective due to GPS jamming or spoofing. The technology developed by SurveyX can continue to function even in such conditions, providing a reliable indigenous solution for sensitive defence operations.”
The drone’s most distinctive feature is its Visual Terrain Aided Navigation (VTAN) system. Using onboard cameras, the drone identifies roads, buildings and natural landmarks on the ground. These images are then compared with stored maps or Digital Elevation Models (DEM) to determine the drone’s position and direction, enabling precise navigation even without GPS.
The drone has been named ‘SurveyX Shambhu’ as a tribute to the extraordinary bravery of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, an inspirational figure in Maharashtra. The system has been specially designed for large-area surveying and mapping. Equipped with RTK and PPK technologies, the drone can generate highly accurate terrain maps.
Aparna Veer, Co-founder of SurveyX Technologies, said, “The drone is designed to survey large areas efficiently. With RTK and PPK technologies, it can create highly accurate maps while requiring less manpower and time. The system also uses machine learning-based software to continuously update digital elevation models, which helps improve the accuracy of future missions.”
Entire system, from airframe to software, developed in India.
Can take off and land vertically without requiring a runway.
Flight endurance of more than 90 minutes.
Accurate navigation even without GPS signals.
Suitable for defence operations, large-area surveying and mapping.
