Indian Army signs iDEX deal to procure Navy-built unmanned Fire Fighting vehicle

The Indian Army has signed a procurement contract under the Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative to acquire an unmanned Fire Fighting vehicle. The contract was executed with M/s Swadeshi Empresa Pvt Ltd on January  13, 2026, at the Capability Development Directorate of the Indian Army in New Delhi.The Fire Fighting Robot was originally developed for the Indian Navy under the iDEX framework of the Defence Innovation Organisation. The Army said the decision aligns with its commitment to “Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat @2047.”
The Indian Army is procuring this system for the first time by using provisions that allow one Service to acquire iDEX products developed for another Service after a Single Stage Composite Trial (SSCT).
Defence officials said this mechanism avoids duplication, reduces development timelines, and supports inter-service technology transfer.

The Fire Fighting Robot is an unmanned ground vehicle designed to function in high-risk fire environments where human entry is dangerous. It can be operated remotely and equipped with firefighting systems to control and suppress fires from a safe distance.

The Army said this capability will improve operational safety for its firefighters during industrial, ammunition, and infrastructure fire emergencies.

iDEX, under the Defence Innovation Organisation, serves as a bridge between the Armed Forces, start-ups, and innovators. It provides funding, testing support, and procurement pathways for defence technology solutions.

The Indian Army is currently undertaking spiral development of its already delivered iDEX projects to enhance performance based on user feedback. It is also advancing nearly 22 iDEX projects to the trial stage after completing prototype development.