The Indian Army is taking further strides in drone security by working through a network of six specialised laboratories to identify flaws in unmanned aerial systems (UAS). As per a report published by Financial Express on October 1, 2026, this network, named AASHVAST (Assessment and Analysis of Electronic Systems Hardware for Vulnerabilities and Security Threats), is expected to test software bugs, firmware flaws, and electronics that might be compromised by a drone, which could, in turn, threaten the platform. One of these facilities has already been commissioned in Delhi.
AASHVAST Labs to Examine Drone Hardware, Firmware and Software
Indian military drones’ on-board systems include flight controllers, navigation receivers, sensors, communications modules, and embedded computing systems that can all be points of attack if the systems are compromised. Hardware and Firmware Testing can identify rogue components, verify supply-chain traceability and confirm whether the electronics work as they should. These are critical considerations for surveillance, reconnaissance and other security drones that require reliable transmission and precise navigation. In addition to the trial at the laboratory, another programme by Zuppa Geo Navigation Technologies and the Tamil Nadu Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Corporation plans to train over 2,000 people over three years, providing skills in drone operation and maintenance.
