OPINION | Indian Army Shifts to Unmanned Firefighting at Armament Depots

by Ashu Mann

The Indian Army has signed a contract to induct firefighting robots to strengthen safety measures at sensitive locations such as ammunition and armament depots, where conventional firefighting operations pose high risks to personnel.

The agreement was signed on January 13 by the Army’s Directorate of Capability Development. Under the contract, the Army will procure 18 Fire Fighting Robots (FF BOTs) at a total cost of ₹62 crore. Induction of the systems is scheduled to begin in the first week of April, with deployment planned across multiple cantonments.

The FF BOT has been developed by Swadeshi Empresa Pvt Ltd under the Innovations for Defence Excellence framework. Although the platform was originally designed for the Indian Navy, the Army is acquiring it for the first time by invoking provisions that allow procurement of iDEX systems already evaluated and cleared by another Service. The robot was approved after completing a Single Stage Composite Trial.

The Army Design Bureau supported the project as part of the Army’s broader effort to promote indigenous defense manufacturing and encourage participation from startups under the Make in India initiative.

The contract includes a two-year warranty and five years of comprehensive maintenance, along with assured on-site service support for a total period of seven years.

Designed for operations in highly dangerous environments, the FF BOT can be deployed in areas affected by explosions, toxic fumes, and structural instability, conditions where entry by firefighters is often unsafe. The robot is remotely operated from a secure location, allowing firefighting operations to continue without exposing personnel to immediate danger.

The system is fitted with optical and thermal cameras that provide live video feeds to operators. Thermal imaging enables the detection of hotspots and concealed fires, particularly in smoke-filled or low-visibility conditions.

The FF BOT’s utility extends beyond military installations. Officials stated that it can also be deployed at fuel storage facilities, oil refineries, industrial plants, power stations, airports, and disaster-affected areas.

By deploying unmanned systems into the most hazardous zones first, the Army aims to reduce risks to personnel while ensuring a faster and safer fire response.

The robot is equipped with a six-wheel drive and suspension system, enabling it to operate in difficult terrain. It can pull water-filled fire hoses and tow vehicles weighing up to five tonnes. The system offers variable speed control, allowing precise maneuvering. It is built from corrosion-resistant stainless steel and features a self-cooling mechanism to withstand extreme heat.

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About the Author

Ashu Mann is an Associate Fellow at the Centre for Land Warfare Studies. He was awarded the Vice Chief of the Army Staff Commendation card on Army Day 2025. He is pursuing a PhD from Amity University, Noida, in Defence and Strategic Studies. His research focuses include the India-China territorial dispute, great power rivalry, and Chinese foreign policy.