[SatNews] From IndianExpress.com, we learn that within two years of developing the Vihang Netra, India’s first Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in the private sector built for the Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment, a DRDO lab, is now ready with the country’s first, hand-launched mini-UAV— E-5.

DEMA Mechatronic Technologies Pvt. Ltd (DMT) the manufacturing arm of the Defence Electronics Manufacturers Association (DEMA), has manufactured the E-5, which was successfully tested on December 27th at the Gliding Centre in Hadapsar. “This is the first time a UAV has been developed by a professional body. Traditionally, defense procurement is a laid down procedure that involves placing requirements followed by research, development, and then transfer. This time, we decided to develop the product and approach the Armed Forces with it. The UAV is ready and, depending upon the end-user, which in this case could be the Armed Forces as well as paramilitary forces, we would customize the product further," said D. S. Kamlapurkar, former president, DEMA.