Defense Sector Research: Mapping India's Drone Demand

Global Bharat Fund was evaluating opportunities in defense tech, specifically drone manufacturing. Before assessing individual companies, the team needed a clear picture of the sector: how procurement worked, who the major players were, and whether real demand existed.

Tanvi took on the sector research. She started by mapping how defense procurement and manufacturing works in India, understanding the role of the three armed forces as the primary acquirers and how weaponry systems move from requirement to contract.

From there, she identified the major players in Indian drone manufacturing and assessed their positioning. She then looked at the demand side directly, examining procurement documentation issued by the armed forces for drone systems. She found a documented requirement representing a concrete and near-term demand signal.

She compiled her findings into a memo for her manager. The memo outlined the demand gap, the types of drones required, and the top manufacturing companies in the sector. It gave the team a structured view of where the opportunity sat and what kind of company would be best positioned to capture it.