Hyderabad-based defense technology startup Zebu has raised $1 million in a pre-Series A funding round led by Bluehill VC. The funding will be used to accelerate the development and deployment of four mission-critical drone systems designed to enhance India’s defense capabilities.
Advancing Indigenous Defense Tech
Founded in 2021 by Santosh Balajee Banisetty, Zebu specializes in mission-ready counter-drone and combat drone systems for defense forces. The startup is aligned with India’s push for indigenized military innovation and is focused on transitioning key drone prototypes into operational tools for the battlefield.
Drone Portfolio Targeting the Armed Forces
Zebu has developed four advanced drones tailored for the Indian Armed Forces:
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IAF Net Drone: A six-cartridge system designed to trap hostile drones mid-air, recently upgraded with radar integration and nearing military-grade certification.
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Sea-Surface Combat & Rescue Drone: Developed for the Indian Coast Guard, this system supports operations at sea, including search and rescue.
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Swarm-Enabled Offensive Drone: Built for the Indian Air Force, this drone uses swarm technology to execute coordinated offensive strikes.
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Tethered Surveillance Drone: Designed for 24/7 Army border patrol, providing persistent aerial monitoring and already approved for mass deployment.
Scaling for Defense and Beyond
Zebu’s Anti-Drone Swarm System, expected to be combat-ready by late 2025, features rapid-fire pneumatic launchers designed to neutralize multiple enemy drones through coordinated strikes. The Tethered Surveillance Drone is anticipated to see widespread deployment by mid-2025, with approvals from several regiments.
The company also noted that it is in advanced talks with a leading defense manufacturer to begin drone supply, indicating strong institutional interest.
Eyeing Global Counter-Drone Market and Commercial Expansion
With the global counter-drone market projected to reach $11 billion by 2030, Zebu is positioning itself as a key player in both domestic and international defense tech landscapes. In addition to government contracts, the startup is adapting its Ground Control Station (GCS) technology for commercial applications, attracting interest from private OEMs in India, the U.S., and Southeast Asia.
By leveraging indigenous design, advanced engineering, and scalable platforms, Zebu aims to provide both defense and enterprise sectors with high-performance aerial security solutions built for modern threats.