In a landmark rescue operation, the Indian Army successfully integrated human effort with cutting-edge technology, establishing a new model for disaster response in challenging, high-risk areas.
This innovative approach was demonstrated on June 1, 2025, during the devastating landslides in Lachen, Sikkim, approximately 123 km from Gangtok. The disaster tragically claimed the lives of three soldiers, with six others reported missing.
To support the search operation in treacherous conditions, the Indian Army deployed a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) drone from BonV Aero, a deep-tech startup based in a Tier II city.
Typically, high-altitude rescue involves SDRF teams, manual digging, sniffer dogs, and ground-based GPR equipment. These are often slow and dangerous. In Lachen, however, the UAV scanned the debris from above, identifying underground anomalies that guided search teams to precise locations.
The drone picked up two anomalies at depths of 0.76 m and 0.015 m. Excavations at both points confirmed human remains, eliminating the need for wider, manual digging.
“The Indian Army’s swift deployment of our technology within 24 hours of the disaster reflects a growing trust in homegrown innovation. We are happy to see when a solution built in one part of the country is used meaningfully in another, exactly when it’s needed,” said Satyabarata Satapathy, CEO, BonV Aero.
“The emergency response in Lachen showed that startups like ours can play a vital role when timing, purpose, and national need align,” he added.
The drone transmitted real-time data to a digital map, helping rescue teams act swiftly. “Unlike thermal cameras or canine units, which fail when victims are buried deep or terrain is unstable, this drone safely scanned difficult areas without disturbing the site,” said Abinash Sahoo, CTO, BonV Aero.
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For Army engineers, the drone offered more than just aerial visuals; it delivered critical sub-surface data, enhancing situational awareness during the perilous operation.
