'Derald Nuclear', the sensor, which can be fitted on a drone, can detect gamma radiation from the height of 50 metres.
"This perhaps is the only equipment that can detect radiation from radioactive substances this way," said S R Vadera, Outstanding Scientist and Director, Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur.
"Take for example Mayapuri where a radioactive leak was detected. In such an event, the equipment can be flown over the area and we can easily pinpoint the source of the radiation," Vadera added.
The indigenously developed sensors, along with its electric circuit, weighs only 20-22 gms. In this case, the sensors are fitted over Netra drone, another indigenously built light-weight UAV for surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
The equipment costs around Rs 20,000.
Building sensors like this is important considering India's increasing nuclear endeavours.