AXISCADES partners with France’s Cilas to bring laser-based anti-drone tech to India

Defence technology firm AXISCADES Technologies Ltd has entered into a strategic partnership with France’s CILAS S.A., a specialist in laser systems, to jointly develop and promote laser-based Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) solutions for the Indian Armed Forces.

Under the agreement, the two companies will co-develop a vehicle-mounted anti-drone system, integrating Cilas’ Helma-P laser — a proven “hard-kill” system used by NATO forces and the French Navy — with AXISCADES’ command-and-control platform tailored for the Indian Army’s operational environment, the Bengaluru-based firm said in an exchange filing..

“Cilas’ Helma-P is globally recognised as one of the foremost hard-kill options, having been deployed during critical NATO missions and at the Paris Olympics,” said Dr. Sampath Ravinarayanan, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director, AXISCADES. “A proven, state-of-the-art solution like this is crucial for strengthening India’s defence capabilities.”

Cilas CEO Oliver Prat said the collaboration aligns with India’s push for defence self-reliance. “AXISCADES has been among the precursors in India to enter anti-drone warfare, with impressive orders from the Army. We look forward to building a strong and long-lasting partnership that serves the dynamic Indian market,” he added.

The move comes amid India’s growing focus on indigenous counter-drone technologies as drone incursions along sensitive borders and installations increase. The partnership also underscores the deepening strategic cooperation between India and France in defence manufacturing and technology sharing.

AXISCADES has been strengthening its portfolio through global alliances. Recently, it partnered with Spain’s Indra Group to co-produce advanced defence systems in India and expanded its cooperation with France’s MBDA for the manufacturing of missile subsystems. It also tied up with Aldoria Systems for space surveillance solutions.

Financially, AXISCADES reported a strong Q3 FY25 performance, with revenue rising 18% year-on-year to ₹274.5 crore, and net profit nearly doubling to ₹14.8 crore, driven by higher-margin defence and aerospace projects.