Hyderabad-based defence technology firm Zen Technologies has introduced a new High-Altitude Man-Portable Anti-Drone System (MPADS), significantly expanding its portfolio of counter-drone solutions. Unveiled on July 26 to coincide with Kargil Vijay Diwas, the system is specifically engineered for deployment in difficult mountainous and border areas where conventional vehicle-mounted systems are impractical.
Advanced Capabilities for Challenging Terrain
The MPADS is designed for maximum mobility, allowing soldiers to carry it or transport it via pack animals, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). This ensures rapid deployment in remote operational environments. The portable system integrates radio frequency (RF) detection, advanced data fusion, and omni-directional jamming capabilities within a compact configuration.
According to Zen Technologies, the platform can detect drones from distances up to 5 kilometers by monitoring the 400 MHz to 6 GHz radio frequency spectrum. Once a drone is identified, the system can effectively jam command-and-control links and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals at ranges up to 3 kilometers, neutralizing hostile unmanned aerial vehicles before they reach sensitive locations. The MPADS is also capable of tracking multiple drones simultaneously, including coordinated drone swarms, and is built for 24/7 operation in diverse weather conditions.
Proprietary Technology and Strategic Importance
At the core of the system is Zen Technologies' proprietary RF-based drone detection technology, which utilizes correlative interferometry and digital beamforming to precisely determine the direction of incoming aerial threats. This detector is integrated with a Data Fusion and Command Centre, consolidating information from various sensors into a single operational interface. This empowers security personnel to monitor airspace in real-time, identify and classify aerial threats, analyze spectrum activity, and make rapid operational decisions.
The development of the MPADS responds directly to the increasing use of drones in high-altitude and border regions, reinforcing India's strategic push for indigenous defence technologies and self-reliant manufacturing.
Recent Financial Performance
The company recently reported a weaker Q1 earnings performance. Net profit declined by 27.8% year-on-year to Rs 34.4 crore, down from Rs 48 crore in the prior year. Revenue from operations also slipped by 10.5% to Rs 141.6 crore from Rs 158.2 crore. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) fell 40.2% to Rs 38.7 crore, with the EBITDA margin narrowing to 27.3% from 40.9%. Despite the Q1 results, shares of Zen Technologies have seen over a 30% rise in 2026, though they closed 1.82% lower at Rs 1,768 on Friday.