indra Advances Drone Safety and traffic Management with New Technologies
February 3,2026
indra,a global technology and consulting company,is strengthening its position in the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) sector with advancements in collision avoidance technology and the acquisition of GuardianUTM,a UK-based drone traffic management platform. These developments underscore Indra’s commitment to enabling the safe and efficient integration of drones into increasingly complex airspace.
Advanced Collision Avoidance System
Indra has successfully tested a new, advanced collision avoidance system for drones. This system is capable of detecting other aircraft at distances exceeding one kilometer (0.62 miles) and executing precise avoidance maneuvers. The technology integrates optical sensors providing 360-degree coverage, high-precision radar, and complex decision-support algorithms. This fusion of technologies ensures safe drone operations even in challenging scenarios, including those involving multiple drones – frequently enough referred to as drone swarms.
The system’s ability to identify aircraft at long ranges and perform accurate evasive actions extends to altitudes of up to 2,000 meters (6,562 feet).the combination of optical and radar data is particularly crucial, allowing for safe operation in low-visibility conditions where relying on a single sensor type would be insufficient. Indra highlights this as a key differentiator for its solution.
Acquisition of GuardianUTM
Alongside the collision avoidance breakthrough, Indra has acquired GuardianUTM from Altitude Angel, a leading provider of drone traffic management solutions. Altitude Angel‘s GuardianUTM is a modular platform already in use by 64 airports and serving over 350,000 users. This acquisition considerably expands Indra’s capabilities in unmanned traffic management (UTM).
UTM systems are essential for managing the increasing number of drones operating in shared airspace. They provide services such as flight planning, airspace awareness, and geofencing to ensure safe and compliant drone operations.GuardianUTM’s existing infrastructure and user base provide Indra with a strong foundation for further growth in this rapidly evolving market.
Strategic Alignment and Future Outlook
These advancements are aligned with Indra’s “Leading the Future” strategic plan, positioning the company as a thorough provider of solutions for the drone industry. Indra aims to address both the technical challenges of drone flight (like collision avoidance) and the regulatory and management requirements (through UTM).
The demand for drone technology is growing rapidly across various sectors, including surveillance, logistics, and infrastructure inspection. Indra’s integrated approach, combining advanced technology with robust UTM capabilities, is designed to meet this demand and facilitate the safe and seamless integration of drones into everyday operations. The company is focused on enabling drones to operate safely within shared airspace, supporting applications like package delivery and critical infrastructure monitoring.
Key Takeaways
- Indra has developed a cutting-edge collision avoidance system for drones, capable of detecting aircraft over 1km away.
- The company acquired GuardianUTM, a leading drone traffic management platform, expanding its UTM capabilities.
- These developments support Indra’s strategy to be a leading provider of comprehensive drone solutions.
- The advancements address critical safety and regulatory needs for the growing drone industry.