Odisha Startup’s Drone Tech Aids Indian Army in Sikkim Landslide Rescue Mission

Bhubaneswar: In a breakthrough for India’s disaster response and indigenous innovation, an Odisha-based deep tech startup, BonV Aero, has emerged as a critical partner in the Indian Army’s rescue operations following devastating landslides in Lachen, Sikkim. The successful deployment of the company’s Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) drone not only saved valuable time but also helped locate buried soldiers—demonstrating the growing importance of homegrown technological solutions in national emergencies.

On June 1, massive landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rains struck Lachen, approximately 123 km from Gangtok, killing three soldiers and leaving six others missing. Facing difficult terrain and unpredictable conditions, the Indian Army made a swift decision to deploy advanced drone-based GPR technology from BonV Aero—marking a significant departure from traditional rescue approaches that rely heavily on SDRF teams, sniffer dogs, manual digging, and surface-based GPR equipment.

Within 24 hours of the disaster, BonV Aero’s GPR drone was integrated into the Army’s ongoing rescue mission. The unmanned aerial vehicle flew over treacherous landslide debris, collecting high-resolution sub-surface data without disturbing the unstable terrain. The drone identified two key locations—at depths of 0.76 metres and 0.015 metres—where later excavation confirmed human remains.

“This is more than just a technological success—it’s a moment of pride for Odisha,” said Satyabarata Satapathy, CEO of BonV Aero. “Our innovation proved its mettle in a life-and-death scenario, and the Indian Army’s quick embrace of our solution shows how far indigenous tech has come.”

BonV Aero’s innovation offers a vital edge in search and rescue missions in Himalayan regions, where unpredictable weather, snow, waterlogging, and unstable rock formations frequently derail conventional efforts. Unlike manned teams, the drone safely scans debris zones from above, providing real-time subsurface maps that guide rescue teams with pinpoint accuracy.

“What sets this system apart is its ability to detect buried anomalies under extreme conditions while ensuring rescue teams remain safe,” explained Abinash Sahoo, CTO of BonV Aero. “This is the future of disaster response.”

The Lachen operation marks a major milestone not just for BonV Aero, but for Odisha’s rising reputation in India’s innovation and startup landscape. It underlines how local technological talent, when backed by vision and support, can contribute meaningfully to national priorities such as defence preparedness, disaster response, and technological self-reliance.

As India pushes ahead with its Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission and the drive for resilient disaster management, the success of startups like BonV Aero signals that Odisha is not just a participant—but a leader—on the innovation frontline.