• Hybrid propulsion: Fuel provides greater energy density for longer flight, while batteries deliver efficient continuous or variable power and support vertical takeoff and landing. The system combines both to extend missions while retaining flexibility.
• Onboard autonomy: Onboard intelligence can keep a drone working if communications are jammed, lost, or intentionally silent. Mehta said which missions are safe to perform autonomously depends on the system’s reliability and the risk of collateral damage.
• High-altitude variant: The high-altitude ZOLT variant is already under testing, and Mehta said it should be tested “in some time”; he gave no specific launch date.
• Long-range ISR market: Mehta described a multi-billion-dollar opportunity, in India and globally, spanning military operations, border and coastal management, and exclusive economic zone monitoring. He said short-range drones can cover up to 40-50 km max, while vehicle-portable systems can reach 50 to 100 or even deeper.
• Share move: The anchor said ideaForge shares were up 6% during the discussion.