Satakshi: IIT Kanpur unveils AI anti-drone system to safeguard borders

Kanpur has always been a city that builds things. And this time, IIT Kanpur has built something that could genuinely change how India protects its borders. An AI-powered, fully indigenous anti-drone system named Satakshi has been developed by an alumnus of Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Sarvagya Shukla, along with his team under the guidance of Professor Indranila Saha. The system is designed to detect and neutralise hostile drones before they pose a threat.

Satakshi can reportedly identify enemy drones from a distance of up to 1.5 kilometres and disable them before they cross sensitive zones. At a time when drone incursions have become a growing security concern, especially along border areas, such rapid-response systems are increasingly critical.

Unlike conventional radar-based anti-drone mechanisms currently in use by the Indian Army, many of which are expensive and often imported. Satakshi is positioned as a cost-effective and terrain-adaptive alternative.

The system is estimated to cost between ₹25-30 lakh, significantly lower than imported radar-based systems that run into crores. Weighing under 25 kilograms, Satakshi is portable and lightweight. It can operate on a standard power connection or an inverter battery, allowing for quick deployment in remote or high-risk areas.

Beyond the anti-drone platform, the IIT Kanpur team has also developed a suite of unmanned aerial systems, including attack drones, reconnaissance drones, and loitering (suicide) drones capable of identifying and striking enemy targets before self-destructing on impact. Patents have been filed, campus trials conducted, and demonstrations reportedly made before defence officials.