The Indian Army has signed a Rs 62 crore agreement for the procurement of indigenously developed Fire Fighting Robots (FF BOTs) to enhance safety during firefighting operations at high-risk installations, particularly armament depots.
The agreement was signed by the Army’s Directorate of Capability Development for 18 firefighting robots developed by Swadeshi Empresa Pvt Ltd under the Ministry of Defence’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative. The Army Design Bureau extended assistance in the development process, reflecting the Army’s push to support defence startups and indigenous solutions under the Make in India framework.
Developed under the Idex framework for the Indian Navy, the Fire Fighting Robot is being procured by the Indian Army for the first time by leveraging the enabling provision to acquire Idex products developed for a sister Service, based on their Single Stage Composite Trial (SSCT), the Indian Army said in a statement.
Designed as an unmanned ground system, the FF BOT is intended for use in environments involving explosions, toxic smoke, extreme heat and the risk of structural collapse, where human entry is unsafe. The robot enables firefighters to operate from a secure location while the system goes into the danger zone.
The contract, signed on January 13, follows extensive trials and includes a two-year warranty and five years of comprehensive maintenance. This ensures on-site serviceability for a total of seven years. Induction of the systems is scheduled to begin in the first week of April. The system will see deployment planned across multiple cantonments.
The FF BOT was the first iDEX SPRINT case under DISC-7 and received Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) in 2023. The iDEX initiative aims to create an ecosystem for innovation and technology development in defence and aerospace by engaging industry and startups.
The firefighting robot is remotely operated and equipped with optical and thermal cameras, which transmit live video feeds to operators. Thermal imaging enables the identification of hotspots and concealed flames in smoke-filled and low-visibility conditions. This supports real-time situational awareness as well as informed decision-making during firefighting operations.
Officials said the system is designed for use at ammunition depots, fuel storage areas, oil refineries, and industrial plants—where fires can escalate rapidly and pose severe risks to personnel and infrastructure.
The system can be used at industrial facilities, power stations, fuel storage sites, airports and in disaster response scenarios where access for human firefighters is restricted.
The system features 6 powered wheels with an advanced suspension system—delivering high torque capable of dragging a water-filled hosepipe and towing vehicles weighing up to 5 tonnes.
The robot can move at different speeds and turn in any direction—making it easier to control in tight spaces. It is made from stainless steel that resists rust, thus enabling it to handle tough conditions. A built-in cooling system keeps it from overheating during firefighting tasks.
The robot has regular and thermal cameras, built-in lights, and a strong winch. These features help it work better in dangerous areas. The robot is controlled from a simple control station away from the action area with a large touchscreen, along with a comfortable joystick. This makes operating it easier and more accurate.