In a ground breaking leap for indigenous defence technology, Ahmedabad engineer Keshavkant has unveiled Gati, an automated grenade‐detonation drone that removes safety pins and triggers explosions midair before returning safely. After successful trials at Pokhran, the Indian Army placed an initial order for 20 units, aiming to bolster precision-strike capabilities while minimizing soldier risk.
Precision Automation: How Gati Works
Gati automates the traditional grenade-deployment sequence:
- Pin Removal & Lever Release: A custom release mechanism extracts the grenade pin and releases the lever in flight, initiating the four-second fuse countdown at the target site1.
- Midair Detonation: Ensures the blast occurs precisely over enemy positions, reducing collateral damage and maximizing tactical effect.
Key Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Range | Up to 7.5 km |
| Operating Altitude | Up to 500 m |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | 2.5 kg |
| Payload | Standard fragmentation grenade |
| Endurance | Single sortie per mission |
| Return Capability | Autonomous recovery to base |
| Order Quantity | 20 units |
| Developer | Protthapan Technologies (Ahmedabad)1 |
Development Journey
Inspired by operational challenges during Operation Sindoor, Sharma sought to reduce frontline casualties. “After issues arose for our forces, we envisioned a drone that could deliver grenades with precision and return safely,” he explained1. Built under his startup Protthapan Technologies, Gati combines lightweight airframe design with an onboard automation module that replicates manual grenade handling with mechanical actuators.
Trial Success & Army Adoption
In June 2025, Gati underwent live-fire trials at the Pokhran range, demonstrating consistent target accuracy and reliable return flights. Impressed by performance metrics—pin extraction reliability above 98% and blast precision within a 5 m radius—the Indian Army swiftly placed an order for 20 drones to equip forward units.
Battlefield Impact and Future Prospects
- Force Protection: Gati’s automation keeps soldiers behind cover, minimizing exposure during assault operations.
- Rapid Deployment: Helicopter or ground-vehicle launch options allow flexible use across diverse terrains.
- Scalability: Protthapan plans modular upgrades for loiter-and-strike roles, integrating advanced sensors and alternate munitions.
As modern warfare evolves, Gati symbolizes India’s push for Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence. With initial Army orders secured, further evaluations are underway to integrate Gati into counter-insurgency operations and refine autonomy for swarming tactics, heralding a new era of precision drone strikes.
