• Surveillance to Armour: Alentech Powers India’s Security Forces
  • Balwinder Singh on it’s Mission to Protect India’s Frontlines

By Sangeeta Saxena

New Delhi. 10 May 2025. India’s robotics industry, though still in its nascent stage compared to global leaders, is undergoing rapid transformation—driven largely by defence, homeland security, and disaster response requirements. The push for Atmanirbhar Bharat and indigenisation in defence has opened new opportunities for private players to innovate and collaborate. Defence robotics in India is increasingly focused on mission-specific use cases like unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), surveillance bots, bomb disposal robots, and autonomous patrolling systems. With support from agencies like DRDO and defence PSUs, and with growing demand from paramilitary and state police forces, the Indian robotics market is on the cusp of strategic growth. The convergence of AI, machine vision, and rugged design principles is also enhancing operational effectiveness in real-time combat and urban warfare environments.

At Milipol India 2025, Alentech Defence Technologies Pvt Ltd stood out for its extensive showcase of tactical and surveillance equipment tailored for India’s security forces. We caught up with Balwinder Singh, Sales Director, who walked us through their groundbreaking products, Indian deployments, and international partnerships that are reshaping homeland security. But the most exciting were it’s robots  which walked around and along the show galleries , not only attracting eyeballs but also inquiry.

ADU. What are you displaying at Milipol India this year?

Balwinder Singh. We’ve brought a wide range of tactical equipment. First is our surveillance robot, already in use by NSG and forces in Jammu & Kashmir during counter-terror operations. Second is our “wall-through” radar that detects terrorists behind barriers—saving valuable time for our special forces. Then there’s our real-time viewing system (RTVS) that helps inspect suspect bags or rooms remotely without physical contact. We also have a high-resolution search kit for scanning VVIP vehicles during EOD and inspection checks. And finally, our unique bulletproof helmet, which can stop 7.62x39mm hard steel core ammunition—something that was urgently needed in Kashmir. This helmet has already been tested successfully by CRPF.

ADU. That helmet sounds like a breakthrough. Has it been deployed with the forces?

Balwinder Singh. Yes, a limited quantity has already been supplied to our special forces. It’s built for protection against hardcore ammunition, and the results have been excellent.

ADU. So you’re already supplying to the Indian Army, Air Force, Navy, and police forces?

Balwinder Singh. Yes, we supply to all major agencies—Army, Air Force, Navy, paramilitary units, and several state police forces.

ADU. Is there a transfer of technology involved in your collaboration with KNDS Robotics?

Balwinder Singh. Yes, absolutely. For the Nerva LG robot, we’ve achieved 25–60% localisation. For large-scale orders—say 10,000 units—we can manufacture 100% in India. It’s a French design, but we are making it work for India.

ADU. In it’s indenisation drive where does Alentech stand today?

Balwinder Singh. Alentech has positioned itself at the forefront of this evolving robotics space by not just marketing imported systems but by actively engaging in customisation, assembly, and localisation. The company works closely with French OEM KNDS Robotics to bring battle-proven platforms like the Nerva LG surveillance robot to India. However, Alentech’s efforts go beyond distribution—it has invested in building indigenous capabilities to manufacture and adapt these robots for Indian terrain and mission profiles. From terrain mobility enhancements to sensor integration, the company’s engineering team modifies the base platform to meet end-user feedback from Indian special forces and law enforcement. With a modular production line in place, Alentech is already achieving 25–60% localisation in its robot systems and has the ability to scale up to 100% Made in India for larger orders. These efforts are not only helping India reduce its dependency on imports but are also building a foundation for future innovation in unmanned tactical systems.

ADU. What kind of response have you received at Milipol India this year?

Balwinder Singh. Despite some organisational hiccups at the show, the turnout has been fantastic. All our key users visited us—so we’re happy. We’ve even had serious interest from MHA, and installations are already underway for several products.

ADU. What other innovations have you brought to the show?

Balwinder Singh. We’re showcasing our pole-type metal detector—extremely lightweight and precise. It helps operators detect and locate metal threats efficiently. This system has already been adopted by agencies like the Taj Group and in Indian jails through MHA contracts.

ADU. Can you give a background of Alentech as a defence manufacturer in India?

Balwinder Singh. We are an independent company an our ownership is entirely led by ex-Army officers and supported by civilian stakeholders. Alentech Defence Technologies Pvt Ltd, a veteran-led organisation, has built its reputation on innovation, indigenisation, and mission-first thinking. The company has deep insights into the challenges faced by India’s security forces. From life-saving surveillance robots and advanced radar to specialised armour and detection systems, Alentech is building a comprehensive ecosystem of tactical gear for India’s evolving threat landscape. With technology rooted in frontline feedback and bolstered by global partnerships, Alentech Defence Technologies is setting new benchmarks in homeland security. Our vision is to  make India not only self-reliant but a global leader in defence tech.

Over the years, Alentech has cultivated strong partnerships with leading global OEMs from France, Germany, the UK, and the US. One such long-standing collaboration is with France’s KNDS Robotics, with whom Alentech has brought in robotic surveillance systems tailored for Indian terrains and operations. The Nerva LG robot, for instance, is a lightweight, mission-configurable platform used for reconnaissance and EOD operations. Alentech handles customisation and partial manufacturing in India, with scope for full indigenisation depending on the order volume.

As told to Sangeeta Saxena