Indian Army plans 6 cyber labs to detect Foreign bugs in drones, secure military systems

Amid concerns over Chinese-origin components in military equipment, the Indian Army is setting up six AASHVAST laboratories to detect hidden vulnerabilities in drones and strengthen the security of its electronic systems. The initiative aims to identify malicious code, concealed access mechanisms and firmware-level weaknesses that could potentially be exploited to disrupt military operations.

One laboratory has already been inaugurated in Delhi, with at least five more planned across the country. The facilities will initially focus on drones, with CCTV cameras procured by the Army also expected to undergo screening in a later phase.

Why China is a key concern?

The Army’s initiative comes against the backdrop of concerns over Chinese components in military drones, particularly those deployed along India’s eastern borders. India has previously restricted the use of Chinese-origin parts by domestic military drone manufacturers over national security and data-security concerns.

In 2025, the Army Design Bureau submitted a framework to the Ministry of Defence aimed at eliminating Chinese-origin components from UAVs. The AASHVAST laboratories are expected to add another layer of scrutiny by examining not just where a component was purchased, but also its actual origin and what may be embedded within it.

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Hidden firmware threats under the scanner

Developed by QuickPay Pvt Ltd for the Directorate General of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers, AASHVAST will analyse firmware and embedded systems rather than relying only on physical inspection.

The system can detect around 14 categories of vulnerabilities, including Hidden code and commands that could interfere with a drone’s functioning. Location-based or time-triggered faults that may disrupt operations in specific areas or at particular times. Embedded passwords, encryption keys and remote-access tools. Malfunctions that could prevent a UAV from reaching its designated destination or completing its mission.

The Army issued a request for proposal in April 2026 to procure customised licensed software for firmware and embedded-system validation.

CCTV cameras to be covered next

The screening programme is also expected to extend to future CCTV camera procurements. These checks will look for potentially vulnerable proprietary protocols and embedded technologies, including those linked to foreign-origin systems.

The broader objective is to improve cyber resilience, reduce the risk of external interference and ensure that military platforms remain dependable in contested operational environments. The initiative also supports India’s push for greater self-reliance in defence technology under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.