In an interview with Nagendran Kandasamy, Co-Founder & CEO, Zulu Defence Systems, TimesTech explores how AI, autonomous swarms, and software-defined drone ecosystems are transforming modern warfare. He shares insights on operating in GPS-denied environments, enabling intelligent human-machine teaming, strengthening indigenous defence capabilities, and preparing India to compete in the rapidly evolving global defence technology landscape.
Read the full interview here:
TimesTech: The battlefield is rapidly shifting toward AI-led, autonomous swarm systems. How is Zulu Defence Systems architecting its AADAS ecosystem to enable real-time coordination, decentralized intelligence, and mission-critical decision-making across multiple drone platforms?
Nagendran: ZULU’S AADAS AI modules are trained on diverse, high-fidelity datasets to enable advanced mission planning and execution in dynamic operational environments. At the core of the system is a next-generation AI software platform that seamlessly integrates heterogeneous drone assets, enabling real-time reconfiguration, coordinated multi-drone operations, and synchronized intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) as well as precision-strike missions. The platform enhances mission adaptability, operational efficiency, and autonomous decision-making across complex battlefield scenarios.
TimesTech: From BVLOS limitations to operations in GPS-denied and contested environments, what are the most critical real-world deployment challenges today and how is Zulu Defence solving them through its technology stack?
Nagendran: Modern battlefields in contested environments resemble a continuous cycle of virus and antivirus evolution, where adversaries constantly develop new tactics, countermeasures, and technologies. Maintaining operational superiority requires relentless innovation and rapid adaptation. At Zulu, continuous innovation and a forward-looking product strategy are embedded in our DNA, enabling us to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensure our technology stack remains resilient, adaptable, and future-ready for evolving mission requirements.
TimesTech: With platforms ranging from nano reconnaissance drones to hovering munition systems, how do you ensure seamless interoperability and data exchange across such a diverse aerial fleet during complex missions?
Nagendran: At its core, our software is designed for scalable, swarm-enabled aerial teaming, built on a software-defined architecture that seamlessly integrates precision loitering munitions, ISR drones, and cargo UAVs into a unified operational framework. The platform leverages distributed AI to enable autonomous coordination, resilient operations in contested and GPS-denied environments, and seamless human–machine teaming.
Each platform is equipped with an onboard AI flight computer, enabling real-time data sharing, adaptive swarm behavior, and edge-based mission execution. This distributed intelligence architecture allows autonomous assets to collaborate, reconfigure dynamically, and make mission-level decisions in real time, ensuring operational effectiveness even in communication-constrained and electronically contested environments.
TimesTech: Global conflicts are increasingly stress-testing defence supply chains and accelerating innovation cycles. What opportunities and risks does this present for emerging Indian defence manufacturers like Zulu Defence Systems?
Nagendran: We are fortunate to be building these technologies at the right time and in the right geography. India offers one of the world’s most demanding operational environments, ranging from high-altitude Himalayan terrain to deserts, dense forests, coastal regions, and extreme temperature conditions. A system that can perform reliably across India’s diverse environmental and operational challenges is inherently positioned to serve global markets.
At the same time, each country maintains its own regulatory framework, airworthiness standards, and certification requirements for unmanned systems. As we expand internationally, obtaining the necessary certifications and regulatory approvals remains a critical part of our market-entry strategy. By designing our products to meet stringent operational requirements from the outset, we are well-positioned to navigate diverse certification pathways and support customers across multiple geographies.
TimesTech: India is pushing strongly toward indigenization in defence technologies. In your view, how prepared is India to compete in the global defence-tech market, and what gaps still need to be addressed to scale globally?
Nagendran: Indigenous capability development across the ecosystem continues to advance year after year. However, certain dependencies on rare-earth materials, specialized components, and advanced manufacturing processes still present challenges, slowing the pace of complete indigenization in some critical areas.
Encouragingly, government initiatives and policy measures such as the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP), Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, and broader “Make in India” programs are strengthening the domestic industrial base. These initiatives are enabling manufacturers, technology developers, and suppliers to expand their capabilities, invest in advanced production technologies, and progressively reduce reliance on external supply chains.
TimesTech: As AI takes on a larger operational role in surveillance, targeting, and strike decisions, how do you approach the balance between autonomous decision-making and human oversight in high-stakes combat scenarios?
Nagendran: Our systems are built on the principles of full autonomy, scalability, and mass producibility, while maintaining a strict human-in-the-loop operational philosophy. As autonomous technologies continue to evolve, our platform combines AI-driven decision support with robust human oversight to ensure safety, accountability, and mission assurance.
