Hyderabad-based defense-tech startup Zebu has raised $1 million in a pre-Series A funding round led by Bluehill VC. The capital will accelerate the transition of four of Zebu’s combat-grade drone systems from prototype to active deployment with India’s armed forces .
🛡️ Four Mission-Critical Drone Systems
Founded in 2021 by Dr. Santosh Balajee Banisetty, Zebu specializes in developing mission-ready counter-drone systems. The company has introduced four products for the Indian armed forces:
- IAF Net Drone: A hostile drone-neutralizing system equipped with a six-cartridge net mechanism.
- Sea-Surface Combat and Rescue Drone: Designed for the Indian Coast Guard, this drone aids in maritime combat and rescue operations.
- Swarm-Enabled Offensive Combat Drone: Developed for the Indian Air Force, this drone can execute coordinated strikes against enemy drones.
- Tethered Surveillance Drone: Intended for the Army’s border patrols, this drone offers uninterrupted 24/7 surveillance .
🔬 Technological Advancements and Testing
Zebu’s drones have undergone rigorous testing to ensure battlefield readiness:Entrackr
- IAF Net Capture Drone: Evolved from a skeletal model to radar integration over the last six months and is now approaching military-grade certification milestones.
- Indian Coast Guard Drone: Successfully passed extreme stress simulations, including waterproof and propulsion failure tests. Its AI-powered “return-to-base” feature is currently being evaluated on active-duty Coast Guard vessels.
- Anti-Drone Swarm System: Equipped with rapid-fire pneumatic launchers, this system is expected to reach operational readiness by late 2025.
- Tethered Surveillance Drone: Approved by multiple regiments, this drone is slated for mass deployment by mid-2025 .
🌐 Strategic Vision and Future Plans
Zebu aims to strengthen India’s defense modernization and reduce reliance on foreign technology:
- Intellectual Property: The company has filed seven patents and secured two trademarks, with more proprietary technologies under development.
- Commercialization: Zebu recently achieved its first commercial win by supplying a high-performance custom battery pack for nano drones
- Ground Control Station (GCS): An indigenous mission control hub capable of managing entire drone fleets. Currently under testing with the Indian Coast Guard, this GCS offers a cost-effective alternative to foreign solutions.
- Component Manufacturing: Zebu is developing in-house Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs) and military-grade stabilized camera gimbals to eliminate foreign dependencies .
📈 Market Outlook and Expansion
The global counter-drone market is projected to reach $11 billion by 2030. Zebu plans to capitalize on this growth by:
- Series A Funding: Preparing for a $5 million Series A round to support deeper defense integration and international market expansion.
- Commercial Markets: Adapting military-grade technology for enterprise use, including advanced camera gimbals and electronic speed controllers for industrial inspection and logistics.
- Global Footprint: Expanding its presence in markets across India, the U.S., and Southeast Asia
