Zebu, an emerging Indian defense-tech startup specializing in advanced counter-drone and unmanned systems, has raised $1 million in a pre-Series A round led by Bluehill VC. The fresh capital will fast-track four of Zebu’s cutting-edge drone systems from prototype to battlefield deployment, advancing India’s defense modernization goals and reinforcing the country’s indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities.
Mission-Ready Drone Fleet for National Security
Founded in 2021 by Dr. Santosh Balajee Banisetty, a Ph.D. in Intelligent Systems and Robotics, Zebu has developed four highly specialized unmanned systems designed for the Indian Air Force, Coast Guard, and Army. These include:
- The IAF Net Drone, a hostile drone neutralization system equipped with a six-cartridge net mechanism;
- An AI-driven Coast Guard drone for sea-surface combat and rescue missions;
- A swarm-enabled offensive combat drone for rapid deployment by the Indian Air Force;
- A Tethered Surveillance Drone, developed for 24/7 border monitoring by the Army.
Each drone is engineered for frontline performance, undergoing rigorous testing in real-world conditions. The new funding will enable accelerated field trials and production scaling, with Zebu positioning itself as a key supplier to Indian armed forces. A $5 million Series A round is already in preparation to support deeper defense integration and international market expansion.
Record-Breaking Innovation and Strategic Defense Partnerships
Zebu’s breakthrough in drone endurance earned it a Guinness World Record in 2024 for the longest continuous flight by a drone under 5kg. The company’s IAF Net Drone has achieved critical milestones from radar integration to nearing military-grade certification, while discussions with a top-tier defense manufacturer for drone supply are already underway.
Meanwhile, the Indian Coast Guard drone has 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, with commercial manufacturing readiness nearing completion.
Building the Future of Combat with Swarm and Surveillance Systems
Zebu’s upcoming Anti-Drone Swarm System, equipped with rapid-fire pneumatic launchers, is expected to reach operational readiness by late 2025. Designed for coordinated, high-speed strikes, it offers a formidable shield against enemy drone incursions.
Simultaneously, the Army’s tethered surveillance drone—dubbed the “24×7 Eye in the Sky”—has received approval from multiple regiments and is slated for mass deployment by mid-2025.
Strengthening India’s Defense IP and Manufacturing Autonomy
Zebu has filed seven patents and secured two trademarks, with more proprietary technologies under development. The company recently notched its first commercial win by supplying a high-performance custom battery pack for nano drones. This marks the beginning of its strategy to commercialize its military-grade subsystems for industrial markets.
At the heart of Zebu’s innovation is its in-house developed Ground Control Station (GCS)—a mission control hub capable of managing entire drone fleets. Currently under testing with the Indian Coast Guard, this indigenous GCS offers a cost-effective, feature-rich alternative to foreign solutions.
The startup is also building Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs) and military-grade stabilized camera gimbals internally, eliminating supply chain dependencies and reinforcing India’s strategic defense autonomy. Every component Zebu indigenizes reduces reliance on U.S. or Chinese suppliers in critical military systems.
Expanding Beyond Defense into Commercial Drone Markets
Zebu’s dual-market strategy is gaining traction as its proprietary battery packs, gimbals, and ESCs are now being adapted for industrial inspection, logistics, and unmanned operations. Private OEMs in India, the U.S., and Southeast Asia have already expressed interest in integrating Zebu’s systems into commercial platforms.
Positioning for Full-Spectrum Growth in 2025
With early revenue traction, IP-backed innovations, and battlefield-grade products nearing deployment, Zebu is poised to become India’s most vertically integrated counter-drone and unmanned systems company. The firm is also preparing to expand its leadership team, with plans to onboard a Chief Business Officer and senior defense advisors to support its aggressive scaling ambitions.
Zebu’s 2025 roadmap establishes it not just as a drone supplier—but as a full-spectrum platform provider powering the future of unmanned warfare and autonomous systems worldwide.
Sridhar Parthasarathi, General Partner, Bluehill.VC, says, “The global counter drone market is expected to reach $11 billion by 2030. Zebu is rightly positioned to capture this market with its top of the line offerings for the armed forces. Its drones have completed extreme tests and are now ready for deployment. We believe given the sensitive border that we share with our neighbours on both sides, such tech should be developed in India by an Indian company and such advancements will put India in a strong position when it comes to defending our borders and further empower our armed forces on the land, in the sky and oceans.”
Santosh Balajee, Founder CEO, Zebu, says, “The battlefield of the future is AI-led and unmanned, that is inevitable — Zebu is making it indigenously available. It’s not just exporting counter drone technology but exporting India’s defense sovereignty to the world stage. There is a massive opportunity to fill the vast gap that exists in integration of tech in our defense sector. Global arms markets restrict their defense sales to India, having homegrown brands like Zebu ensures India’s defense modernisation isn’t held hostage by foreign powers or inflated costs. This is Aatmanirbhar Bharat in action: sovereign technology, affordable excellence. It is our aim to accelerate Zebu’s growth, expand our global footprint, and play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of unmanned defense systems.”
