India’s IG Defence and Oman’s MSA Global Partner on Drone Systems

The India-Oman Defence Industry Cooperation Seminar in Muscat served as the backdrop for a new agreement aimed at bolstering regional security. IG Defence, an Indian firm, and Oman’s MSA Global signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the joint development and local manufacturing of drone and counter-drone technologies for Oman and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Expanding Defence Cooperation

The agreement remains in the exploratory phase. It does not establish a confirmed order, manufacturing facility, or immediate deployment plan. However, the partnership highlights a growing alignment between India’s expanding defence export ambitions and the security requirements of Gulf nations.

MSA Global Chairman Col. M.S. Atwal (Retd.) stated that the current security climate in the region necessitates the development of indigenous defence capabilities and resilient manufacturing ecosystems. The collaboration will initially focus on three specific systems developed by IG Defence:

• KAL: A one-way attack unmanned aerial system with a range of up to 1,000 kilometers.
• BAJ: An unmanned aerial interceptor designed for counter-drone operations.
• JWALA: A micro-missile system intended for counter-drone applications.

Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, CEO of IG Defence, said the partnership aims to bring Indian defence technology to global markets through strategic collaboration. The agreement follows a period of heightened regional tension, with reports indicating numerous drone and missile attacks on infrastructure sites across Gulf Arab states over recent months.

A Broader Defence Strategy

India’s defence sector is seeing increased activity. The nation’s defence exports reached Rs 23,622 crore in the 2024-25 financial year, a 12% increase from the previous year. Additionally, the Indian government recently approved over Rs 2 lakh crore in military acquisitions, including significant investments in counter-drone and long-range attack technology.