A Historic Milestone in Drone Technology
India has achieved a significant breakthrough in forensic science and national security with the establishment of the Tarkash Drone Forensic Laboratory at the Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Science (UPSIFS) in Lucknow. This pioneering facility, inaugurated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on August 19, 2025, represents India’s first government-backed drone forensic laboratory, marking a transformative moment in the nation’s approach to drone security and investigation.
The laboratory’s name, “Tarkash“, symbolises precision and readiness – qualities essential for modern drone forensics and counter-drone operations. This state-of-the-art facility positions India at the forefront of global drone forensics technology, addressing the growing challenges posed by unmanned aerial vehicles in security, law enforcement, and border protection scenarios.
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The Visionary Behind India’s Drone Revolution
The Tarkash lab is the brainchild of Milind Raj, universally recognised as the “Drone Man of India”. His credentials are truly remarkable – he received this prestigious title from none other than Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, India’s 11th President, on December 23, 2014. This recognition came with substantial backing, including a ₹5,00,000 skill award from the UP Government in March 2015.
Raj’s expertise extends far beyond national boundaries. He has been featured in international media, including a documentary by TV-Tokyo in Japan and America’s top talk show by James Corden, which boasts over 28 million subscribers. His diverse background demonstrates that drone technology transcends traditional academic boundaries – he emphasises that students from any educational background, including arts, can excel in AI and robotics with proper passion and mentorship.
Now serving as the forensic drone advisor to UPSIFS, Raj continues to embody Dr. Abdul Kalam’s vision of technological self-reliance and innovation. His appointment ensures that the Tarkash lab operates under world-class expertise and maintains its cutting-edge capabilities in drone forensics.
Milind Raj – ‘Drone Man of India’ Credentials
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Title Recognition | Drone Man of India |
| Recognition Date | December 23, 2014 |
| Recognized By | Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (11th President of India) |
| Government Award | UP Government Skill Award |
| Award Amount | ₹5,00,000 ($6,700 USD) |
| International Recognition | Featured in Japan TV documentary, James Corden Show (28M subscribers) |
| Current Role | Forensic Drone Advisor to UPSIFS |
| Expertise Areas | Robotics, Drone Technology, AI-based systems |
| Vision Alignment | Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s vision of technological self-reliance |
Comprehensive Technological Infrastructure
The Tarkash drone forensic lab represents a quantum leap in forensic technology infrastructure. The facility is equipped with advanced data acquisition tools, reverse-engineering systems, high-performance computing infrastructure, and simulation environments designed specifically for comprehensive UAV analysis.
The laboratory’s technological arsenal includes customised forensic kits designed specifically for drone deconstruction and threat assessment. These specialized tools enable investigators to conduct detailed forensic examinations of captured drones, determining their origins, capabilities, and intended purposes. The reverse-engineering capabilities allow experts to understand and counter emerging drone technologies used by hostile entities.
Real-time tracking and decoding capabilities form the core of the lab’s operational excellence. Forensic experts can determine precise flight paths, take-off locations, payload capacities, and potential hazards such as explosives or contraband. This comprehensive analysis capability is crucial for understanding the intent and threat potential of drones used in unlawful activities.
The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies enhances the lab’s analytical capabilities. AI-powered systems can recognise flight patterns, predict potential risks, and identify deviations from normal drone operations, making the facility particularly valuable for criminal investigations and security monitoring.
TARKASH Drone Forensic Lab Details
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Establishment Date | August 19, 2025 |
| Location | Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Science (UPSIFS), Lucknow |
| Inaugurated By | Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath |
| Conceptualized By | Milind Raj – ‘Drone Man of India’ |
| Institute Affiliation | National Forensic Science University (NFSU), Gandhinagar |
| Lab Name | Tarkash |
| First of its Kind | India’s First Government-backed Drone Forensic Laboratory |
| Prime Focus | Real-time tracking, decoding, and investigation of drones |
| Technology Used | Advanced data acquisition, reverse-engineering systems, and AI-based analysis |
| Training Capacity | Training centre for police personnel and forensic experts |
| Applications | Border security, disaster management, search-and-rescue operations |
| Strategic Importance | Counter drone threats, analyse enemy drone technology, and develop indigenous solutions |
Multifaceted Applications and Strategic Importance
Border Security and National Defence
The Tarkash lab’s most critical application lies in safeguarding sensitive zones, including borders, prisons, and airports. With India facing increasing drone-related security challenges along its borders, particularly from cross-border smuggling and espionage activities, this facility provides essential counter-drone capabilities.
Recent developments underscore the urgency of such capabilities. The Border Security Force has successfully neutralised 55% of drones along the India-Pakistan border using indigenous counter-drone systems like Dronaam. The Tarkash lab complements these operational capabilities by providing the forensic analysis needed to understand captured drone technologies and develop appropriate countermeasures.
Law Enforcement and Criminal Investigation
The laboratory enables forensic postmortems of drones to assess their intent and threat potential, helping law enforcement understand drones used in criminal activities. This capability is particularly valuable given the increasing use of drones for narcotics trafficking, contraband delivery into prisons, and cross-border espionage.
Modern drone forensics involves extracting and analysing data from drones involved in criminal actions. The process includes analysing flight paths, pre-defined waypoints, and target points to help investigators understand the intent and planning behind drone operations. The Tarkash lab’s advanced capabilities ensure proper evidence handling and admissibility in court proceedings.
Training and Capacity Building
Beyond forensic analysis, the lab serves as a national training and research hub. It functions as a centre for capacity-building, offering hands-on training for police officers and forensic experts to effectively manage, investigate, and deploy drone technology. This educational component is crucial for building a dedicated drone force within UP Police, enabling swift responses to drone-related incidents.
The training programs cover diverse aspects, including drone designing, data analysis, cybersecurity, and counter-drone systems. This comprehensive approach ensures that law enforcement personnel are well-equipped to handle the evolving challenges posed by drone technology.
UPSIFS: India’s Premier Forensic Science Institution
The Tarkash lab operates within the prestigious Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Science (UPSIFS), a flagship initiative of the UP Government. Established in 2022 and sprawling across fifty acres in Lucknow, UPSIFS was inaugurated by India’s Prime Minister in March 2024.
The institute is affiliated with the National Forensic Science University (NFSU), Gandhinagar, an Institute of National Importance established by the Ministry of Home Affairs. This affiliation ensures that UPSIFS aligns with national and global standards in forensic science education and research.
UPSIFS pioneered the concept of “Law with Labs” – integrating legal studies with hands-on forensic training. This innovative approach enables law students to understand the fine nuances of science and law through practical experience in DNA analysis, fingerprinting, document forensics, ballistics, and cybersecurity.
The institute offers comprehensive programs, including a five-year integrated B.Sc. M.Sc. Forensic Science, B.Sc. LL.B., and specialised courses in cyber law and cyber forensics. These programs prepare students for careers in forensic science, law enforcement, and legal practice with strong technological foundations.
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UPSIFS Institute Details
| Institute Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Science |
| Establishment | 2022 (under Societies Registration Act-1860) |
| Land Area | 50 acres |
| Prime Minister Inauguration | March 2024 |
| Affiliation | National Forensic Science University, Gandhinagar |
| Academic Session Start | August 21, 2024 |
| Unique Concept | Law with Labs – integrating legal studies with hands-on forensic training |
| Programs Offered | B.Sc.-M.Sc. Forensic Science, B.Sc. LL.B., Cyber Law & Forensics |
| Research Focus Areas | DNA, Fingerprint, Document Forensics, Ballistics, Cyber Security |
| Government Initiative | Flagship project of the UP Government |
Global Context and Emerging Challenges
The establishment of the Tarkash lab comes at a time when drone-related security challenges are escalating globally. Recent conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Iran tensions, have demonstrated the decisive role of drones in modern warfare and security operations. These developments underscore the importance of having advanced forensic capabilities to understand and counter drone threats.
Criminal use of drones is increasing rapidly, with applications ranging from smuggling and espionage to terrorism. Along India’s borders, particularly with Pakistan, drones are frequently used for narcotics trafficking and weapons smuggling. In 2024, Punjab authorities seized 283 drones loaded with heroin, weapons, and ammunition, while 137 drones were recovered by 2025.
The integration of AI and machine learning in drone forensics represents a significant trend in the field. These technologies enable automated data analysis, pattern recognition, and real-time threat assessment, capabilities that the Tarkash lab incorporates into its operational framework.
Future Implications and National Impact
The Tarkash drone forensic lab positions India as a global leader in drone forensics and public safety technology. Industry experts believe this facility represents a major leap forward in equipping Indian law enforcement agencies with the tools needed to confront emerging threats in an increasingly drone-enabled world.
The lab’s research and development capabilities extend beyond immediate forensic needs. It will facilitate innovation in counter-drone technologies, border surveillance systems, and AI-powered threat assessment tools. These developments contribute to India’s broader goals of technological self-reliance and indigenous defence capabilities.
The facility’s impact reaches beyond law enforcement. Its applications in disaster management, search-and-rescue operations, and wildlife protection demonstrate the versatility of drone forensics in addressing diverse societal challenges. The lab’s capabilities can support environmental monitoring, infrastructure inspection, and emergency response operations.
Strategic Vision for Technological Self-Reliance
The Tarkash lab embodies Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s vision of technological self-reliance and innovation. By developing indigenous capabilities in drone forensics, India reduces dependence on foreign technologies while building expertise that can be shared with other nations facing similar challenges.
The facility’s establishment aligns with India’s broader push for tech-driven border security. Government initiatives include comprehensive electronic surveillance along the India-Pakistan border, anti-drone systems deployment, and tunnel detection technologies. The Tarkash lab provides the forensic backbone for these security enhancements.
Collaboration opportunities with international partners, research institutions, and technology companies will further enhance the lab’s capabilities. The facility can serve as a hub for sharing best practices, developing standardised protocols, and advancing global understanding of drone forensics.
The Tarkash Drone Forensic Lab represents more than a technological achievement – it symbolises India’s commitment to staying ahead of emerging security challenges while building indigenous capabilities that serve both national defence and civilian safety. As drone technology continues to evolve, facilities like Tarkash will play an increasingly crucial role in maintaining security, supporting law enforcement, and protecting society from the misuse of unmanned aerial systems.
Through its comprehensive approach combining cutting-edge technology, expert leadership, and strategic vision, the Tarkash lab sets a new standard for drone forensics not just in India, but globally. This pioneering facility will undoubtedly influence the development of similar capabilities worldwide, establishing India as a leader in the critical field of drone security and forensic investigation.