India’s unmanned aerial systems (UAS) sector saw a sharp surge on Friday, May 9, with frontline drone and defence tech stocks rallying up to 15 per cent. This comes in the aftermath of India’s strategic use of suicide drones in its precision airstrikes on Pakistan under ‘Operation Sindoor’, and amid continuing border hostilities that have seen missile and drone attacks from both sides.
Ideaforge, Droneacharya, Paras lead the pack
Shares of Ideaforge Technology jumped 14.7 per cent to Rs 443, leading the drone pack on the BSE. Droneacharya Aerial Innovations gained 5 per cent to Rs 68, while ZEN Technologies advanced 5 per cent to Rs 1,406.35. Paras Defence and Space Technologies climbed 3.9 per cent to Rs 1,414.
The spike came despite broader market volatility, with NIFTY and SENSEX plunging due to geopolitical uncertainty. However, the defence and drone segment bucked the trend, emerging as a haven for investors seeking safety in strategic sectors.
India’s Harop drones neutralise Pakistani defences
Thursday’s Indian air strikes reportedly involved Harop suicide drones, which destroyed Chinese-made HQ-9 air defence systems near Lahore and Multan. These systems were allegedly used by Pakistan in its failed missile and drone attacks targeting Indian bases in Srinagar, Chandigarh, and Bhuj the previous night.
According to defence officials, this marks a clear doctrinal shift from past limited engagement tactics to full-spectrum retaliatory strikes using cutting-edge unmanned platforms. A Pakistani airborne early warning aircraft was also reportedly damaged.
Market bets on unmanned warfare dominance
The sharp rise in drone-linked stocks reflects growing investor confidence in India’s indigenous drone manufacturing and deployment capabilities. The government’s push for Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence and the tactical effectiveness displayed during the latest skirmishes have put drone tech front and centre.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the Indian armed forces for their “high-level preparedness and precision response,” underlining the critical role of AI-driven unmanned systems in modern conflicts.
With tensions along the Line of Control continuing and Pakistan increasing mortar shelling in sectors like Kupwara and Poonch, drone warfare is likely to remain a priority for India’s strategic planning—and a hotspot for equity investors.
Anurag Dhole is a seasoned journalist and content writer with a passion for delivering timely, accurate, and engaging stories. With over 8 years of experience in digital media, she covers a wide range of topics—from breaking news and politics to business insights and cultural trends. Jane's writing style blends clarity with depth, aiming to inform and inspire readers in a fast-paced media landscape. When she’s not chasing stories, she’s likely reading investigative features or exploring local cafés for her next writing spot.