ideaForge launches hybrid and UCAV variants of Zolt UAV

ideaForge's Zolt UAV. (ideaForge)

Mumbai-based unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) firm ideaForge has launched two new variants of its Zolt vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) UAV, which is in service with the Indian Army.

ideaForge announced on 6 October that it had developed a hybrid and unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) variants of Zolt to support longer range ISR and combat missions, respectively.

According to the company, the baseline Zolt and Zolt UCAV are battery-powered, while Zolt Hybrid combines an internal combustion engine with battery power.

ideaForge's CEO and co-founder Ankit Mehta told Janes in September that the company has secured multiple Indian Army contracts for Zolt UAVs, including an INR750 million (USD7.7 million) order announced in November 2025.

Although Mehta said deliveries have commenced, it remains unclear which Zolt variants are being supplied under these contracts.

According to company specifications, Zolt has an endurance of more than three hours, a line of sight (LOS) transmission range of up to 50 km, and a maximum operating altitude of 3,500 m above mean sea level (AMSL).

Zolt Hybrid, which is designed for persistent ISR missions, has an endurance of more than six hours, a LOS transmission range of up to 100 km, and a maximum operating altitude of 4,000 m AMSL.

A company spokesperson told Janes on 7 October that Zolt Hybrid was developed in response to “evolving customer needs and structural industry gaps”. The spokesperson added that the platform incorporates lessons from recent conflicts to enhance operational resilience.

The company said it plans to launch a high-altitude variant of Zolt Hybrid “soon”. The new version is expected to support take-offs at altitudes of up to 4,000 m AMSL.