- IDEX Winner Big Bang Boom Expands Its Global Footprint—A Conversation with Hari Kumar RS
- Nanotech, EW, Unmanned Systems & More: How Big Bang Boom is Redefining Defence Startups from India
By Sangeeta Saxena
Dubai. 01 December 2025. At the Dubai Airshow 2025, the Inspiration Zone—formerly known as the innovation showcase—has emerged as a powerful platform for young, disruptive companies transforming global aerospace and defence. Among them is Big Bang Boom Solutions (BBBS), a Chennai-based defence technology startup making rapid strides in electronic warfare, counter-drone systems, nanotechnology-driven security tools, and portable weapon-training infrastructure.
ADU caught up with Hari Kumar RS, President – International Sales, Big Bang Boom, to understand what brings this energetic Indian startup to Dubai, how its technology is scaling up globally, and why BBBS is considered one of the most successful IDEX-funded startups in India.
ADU. We are here at the Dubai Airshow in the Inspiration Zone—the startup hub of the show. What is Big Bang Boom doing here this year?
Hari Kumar RS. Thank you so much. Big Bang Boom is one of the pioneers in counter-drone solutions in India. We started in 2018 as a defence startup and have made rapid progress in multiple domains. We began with electronic warfare—specifically counter-drone systems using passive RF detectors and RF jammers. Today, we can proudly say we offer a comprehensive, end-to-end counter-drone solution.
Alongside this, we have diversified into several innovative products. One of them is our portable shooting range—a containerised firing range where both live firing and simulated firing (dry and wet) can be done. We also have some fascinating nanotechnology products, including a high-expansion firefighting foam and a vessel immobiliser that stops boats without any damage or gunfire by expanding upon contact with seawater and jamming the propeller. So we come to Dubai with a portfolio that is cutting-edge, scalable, and operationally validated.
ADU. These are impressive capabilities. How are the products performing in India so far?
Hari Kumar RS. Extremely well. We have already supplied 25 long-range passive counter-drone systems—detectors and jammers combined—to the Indian Air Force and Indian Army. This was one of our largest and most prestigious orders. Our systems are also widely used by Homeland Security, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and other national security agencies. We have also started exports—our first successful export was to Kenya, and we are currently executing another project for a friendly foreign country. With at least eight countries, we are in advanced stages of discussion.
ADU. You’re also an IDEX winner, which is why you’re here in this zone. How has that journey been?
Hari Kumar RS. Yes, indeed. Big Bang Boom has been a multiple-time IDEX winner—possibly holding the record for the highest number of wins. IDEX accelerated our technology development and gave us the platform to build, test, refine and scale products that are now in service with the armed forces. It also opened doors for international opportunities—like the very reason we are here at Dubai Airshow.
ADU. Big Bang Boom Solutions has become one of India’s most recognised defence startups. What defines your core technological strengths?
Hari Kumar RS. At BBBS, our core competencies span a wide spectrum of advanced technologies. These include Artificial Intelligence, Electronics, Electric and Green Propulsion, GCS technology, UAV systems, Data Security and Encryption, Communication systems, Material Science, Instrumentation and Management. We work extensively with domestic as well as international partners—including organisations from the UK, Israel, Finland and Australia—which helps us benchmark against global standards and innovate continuously.
ADU. BBBS is known for its remarkable performance in India’s iDEX programme. Can you tell us more about that journey?
Hari Kumar RS. Yes, this has been a defining part of our growth. BBBS has won five iDEX challenges floated by the Ministry of Defence of India. Each challenge comes with a grant of INR 1.5 crore, and winning five of them has brought us INR 7.5 crore in innovation funding. More importantly, these wins have resulted in multi-crore Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) and international export licenses, which significantly strengthen our global presence. iDEX has helped us accelerate innovation in defence, aerospace and naval domains, and the partnerships we have built through this ecosystem continue to open new opportunities.
ADU. Your company also works beyond defence. What does that portfolio look like?
Hari Kumar RS. Yes, we also develop assistive technologies for civilian use. This vertical is partially funded by BIRAC, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. The intent is to leverage our R&D capabilities for social good while continuing to innovate for national security.
ADU. BBBS has earned multiple national recognitions. Could you highlight some of the key awards?
Hari Kumar RS. We are fortunate to have received prestigious awards across several domains like SKOCH Award for our Hybrid Personal Armour, BHUMI-MeitY Challenge Award for our Anti-Drone Defence System, C3i Innovation Hub Award for Anti-Drone Technology and Hack-the-Crisis Award for our Mechanical Ventilator. Each award represents the dedication of our engineering teams and our commitment to solving real-world challenges.
ADU. Startups often rise or fall based on the strength of their teams. What distinguishes your talent and workplace culture?
Hari Kumar RS. Our success has everything to do with our people. We recruit skilled talent from across the country and operate on an inclusive leadership model.
ADU. What is the long-term vision for Big Bang Boom Solutions?
Hari Kumar RS. Our goal is very clear. We want to deepen our presence in India and expand aggressively into global markets. We see tremendous opportunities in the counter-drone, electronic warfare, propulsion, and UAV domains internationally. With strong domestic validation and a growing export footprint, BBBS is poised to become a significant global defence technology player.
Big Bang Boom represents the new face of India’s defence innovation story—agile, ambitious, and technology-forward. With award-winning counter-drone systems, nanotechnology-based security tools, and export-ready solutions, the company is rapidly transitioning from a startup to a global defence technology partner.
As the world confronts increasing asymmetric threats—drones, rogue vessels, and rapid-response security needs—startups like BBBS are proving that cutting-edge solutions need not come solely from legacy defence giants. Dubai Airshow 2025 marks yet another milestone for Big Bang Boom as it takes Indian defence innovation to the global stage. Big Bang Boom Solutions exemplifies the rise of India’s new-age defence innovators—agile, technology-driven and globally competitive.
From iDEX victories to exports and from advanced AI-driven systems to nanotechnology solutions, the company is shaping the future of indigenous defence capabilities while building a strong international footprint. With an empowered workforce and an expanding product portfolio, BBBS is on a trajectory that aligns with India’s vision of self-reliance and global leadership in defence technology.
As told to Sangeeta Saxena / Interview was taken at Dubai Airshow 2025
