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Tag: Garuda Aerospace

  • War-like Situations Are Speeding Up Defence Tech in India: How Startups Are Powering the Shift with Investor Backing

    Indian defence-tech startups are gaining serious investor momentum, fueled by rising geopolitical tensions and strong government backing. Recent clashes with Pakistan have highlighted the need for local innovations in drones, cybersecurity, and military AI. Data from Tracxn shows Indian drone startups have raised over $414 million, proving investors see huge potential. 

    India is now home to 487 defence-tech startups, including prominent names like ideaForge, Garuda Aerospace, etc. 132 of these startups have been funded, with 28 of them successfully raising Series A or higher. While India still lags behind some countries, these startups are building a stronger, self-sufficient defence industry for the future. Here we will discuss the top 10 Indian defence-tech startups leading the charge.

    How Tech Startups Are Reinventing India’s Military Power?

    India’s military landscape is undergoing a silent revolution, which is driven by agile tech startups solving high-stakes defence challenges. The Ministry of Defence announced its ambitious goal of achieving INR 50,000 crore in defense exports to over 80 countries by 2029. Here is a roundup of India’s most promising defence-tech startups.

    ideaForge
    AjnaLens
    Garuda Aerospace
    NewSpace
    EyeROV
    AGNIT Semiconductors
    Constelli
    Optimized Electrotech
    Big Bang Boom Solutions
    Jeh Aerospace

    ideaForge

    Founded 2007
    Headquarters Mumbai
    Founders Ankit Mehta, Ashish Bhat, Rahul Singh, Vipul Joshi

    ideaForge is one of India’s earliest pioneers in UAV (drone) technology, which is well-known for building high-performance drones for surveillance, intelligence, and reconnaissance. Trusted by armed forces and paramilitary units, its drones are deployed for border security and counterinsurgency missions.

    • Specializes in tactical drones with advanced payloads for defence and homeland security
    • Supplies UAVs for border surveillance, mapping, and disaster response
    • Works closely with the Indian Army, Navy, and paramilitary forces
    • Went public in 2023 and has since reported mixed financial performance
    • In Q2 FY25, reported a net loss of INR 13.7 Cr, compared to a profit of INR 89.2 Lakh YoY
    • Revenue rose 56.52% YoY to INR 37.1 Cr in Q2 FY25 but dropped 57% QoQ from INR 86.2 Cr in Q4 FY24
    • Despite quarterly setbacks, it continues to lead India’s defence drone ecosystem

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    AjnaLens

    Founded 2014
    Headquarters Mumbai
    Founders Pankaj Raut, Abhishek Tomar, Abhijit Patil

    AjnaLens is rewriting defence training with immersive AR/VR-based simulations that boost mission readiness and real-time battlefield awareness. Its tech is now integrated into soldier training and India’s advanced MANPAD systems. 

    • Specializes in augmented and virtual reality solutions for combat and training
    • Enhancing MANPAD visual systems for better target acquisition
    • Holds 15+ patents in immersive and defence-related technologies
    • Raised over $4 million in funding
    • Backed by investors like LetsVenture
    • Works with the Indian Armed Forces for AR-based soldier training modules

    Garuda Aerospace

    Founded 2015
    Headquarters Chennai
    Founder Agnishwar Jayaprakash

    Garuda Aerospace is one of India’s most prominent drone startups, offering multi-purpose UAVs for defence, disaster response, and border surveillance. Its drones provide real-time reconnaissance and logistics support to boost military operations. The company is rapidly expanding its global footprint, with plans to enter 50+ countries.

    • Specializes in aerial surveillance, border patrol, and defence logistics drones
    • First international entry: Sri Lanka
    • Allocated $10 Mn for global expansion over the next few years
    • Raised $22 Mn Series A in Feb 2023 led by SphitiCap
    • Secured an additional $3 Mn bridge round in Oct 2023 from Venture Catalysts and WeFounderCircle
    • Works with government agencies and disaster response teams across India

    NewSpace

    Founded 2015
    Headquarters Bengaluru
    Founder Sameer Josh

    NewSpace is pioneering next-gen aerial systems for defence with advanced UAV swarms and autonomous drones built for tactical missions and real-time battlefield intelligence. Its cutting-edge tech blends AI, AR/VR, and collective robotics to boost situational awareness and mission adaptability.

    • Specializes in swarm drones, GPS-denied navigation, and aerial ISR systems
    • Raised $52 Mn (INR 430.9 Cr) in a 2024 bridge funding roundShowcased a swarm drone deployment in Japan for disaster response
    • Expanding globally across Japan, the Middle East, and the US
    • Core capabilities include ML, AR/VR, and collective robotics for aerospace ops

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    EyeROV

    Founded 2016
    Headquarters Kochi
    Founders Johns T. Mathai & Kannappa Palaniappan

    EyeROV is India’s first commercial maker of underwater drones (ROVs) built for naval surveillance, mine detection, and maritime inspections. Its drones are already being deployed by DRDO and the Indian Coast Guard, offering real-time underwater intel for critical defence operations. 

    • Specializes in remote-operated underwater vehicles for defence and industrial use
    • Used by DRDO, Indian Coast Guard, and private marine clients
    • Offers real-time underwater monitoring and mine detection
    • Raised INR 10 Cr (~$1.2 Mn) Pre-Series A in Aug 2024, led by Unicorn India Ventures
    • Plans to expand internationally and enhance its marine robotics product line

    AGNIT Semiconductors

    Founded 2017
    Headquarters Bengaluru
    Founders Digbijoy Neelim Nath, Hareesh Chandrasekar, Madhusudan Atre, Mayank Shrivastava, Srinivasan Raghavan, and (late) Dr. Muralidharan

    AGNIT Semiconductors develops high-efficiency GaN-based devices and power amplifiers, which are integral components of wireless transmitters powering India’s defence electronics from radars to communication systems. With expansion plans into EV and consumer markets, AGNIT is scaling fast with investor confidence behind it.

    • Focused on GaN-based devices and amplifiers for radar, communication, and electronic warfare systems
    • Aims to ship 1 lakh chips in 2025
    • Expanding into consumer electronics and EV fast-charging
    • Raised $4.87 million in funding
    • Recent $3.5 Mn seed round led by 3one4 Capital and Zephyr Peacock

    Constelli

    Founded 2017
    Headquarters Hyderabad
    Founders Satya Gopal Panigrahi & Avinash Chenreddy

    Constelli is pushing the boundaries of digital signal processing for modern warfare. The startup already works with the Indian Ministry of Defence, DRDO, and global defence contractors.

    • Builds drone-based telemetry receivers for remote data acquisition
    • Develops electronic warfare testing tools and radar echo simulators
    • Enhances the software development lifecycle of EW systems
    • Raised $3 Mn in Pre-Series A (Jan 2025) from Pravega Ventures
    • Clients include defence agencies in India, South Korea, Australia, and Singapore

    Optimized Electrotech

    Founded 2017
    Headquarters Ahmedabad
    Founder Sandeep Shah

    Optimized Electrotech builds AI-powered electro-optic surveillance systems for defence and strategic security. Its imaging platforms support night vision, thermal sensing, and long-range monitoring for border control and threat detection.

    • Offers solutions for surveillance, reconnaissance, and target acquisition
    • Serves armed forces, paramilitary units, and critical infrastructure sectorsFocus on AI integration to counter threats like unauthorised drone incursions
    • Received INR 25 Cr government grant in 2024 under ADITI 1.0 iDEX-DIO Challenge
    • Products are indigenously designed and developed for high-threat environments

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    Big Bang Boom Solutions

    Founded 2018
    Headquarters Chennai
    Founders Praveen Dwarakanath, Shivaraman Ramaswamy

    Big Bang Boom Solutions focuses on asymmetric combat, situational awareness, and Made-in-India military innovation.

    • Specializes in anti-drone tech, bulletproof jackets, and combat support systems
    • Strengthens soldier safety and tactical efficiency in high-risk zones
    • Raised $30 Mn (INR 250 Cr) in 2024 from Mumbai Angels Network, Vyom Family Office, SBI Startup Branch, and others
    • Bagged INR 200+ Cr order from the Indian Air Force and Indian Army in 2024

    Jeh Aerospace

    Founded 2022
    Headquarters Hyderabad
    Founders Venkatesh Mudragalla & Vishal Sanghavi

    Jeh Aerospace is a rising player in aerospace and defence manufacturing, specialising in aerostructures, aero-engine parts, and precision build-to-print assemblies. 

    • Expertise in coldworking, wire harness assembly, and NDT testing
    • Offers value-added services like painting and anodising
    • Raised $2.75 Mn seed funding in Jan 2024 led by General Catalyst
    • Building a 1.6 lakh sq ft manufacturing hub in Telangana’s Kothur
    • Targeting full-spectrum support for OEMs and tooling companies in aerospace & defence

    Conclusion

    India’s defence-tech ecosystem is stepping up geopolitical tensions, and the drive for self-reliance is escalating. Defence tech startups in India specializing in counter-drone systems are seeing a sharp rise in demand as security concerns grow. According to Tracxn, India has around 136 military tech startups, with well-known names like NewSpace Research and Technologies is one of them.

    FAQs

    What are the top defence-tech startups in India in 2025?

    India’s top defence-tech startups in 2025 include ideaForge, Garuda Aerospace, AjnaLens, NewSpace, EyeROV, AGNIT Semiconductors, Constelli, Optimized Electrotech, Big Bang Boom Solutions, and Jeh Aerospace.

    Why are investors interested in defence-tech startups?

    Geopolitical tensions and government support are driving investor confidence and funding.

    How are drones used in Indian defence?

    Drones are used for border surveillance, logistics, mapping, and disaster response.

  • MS Dhoni Investments: From Cricket to Business – A Look at His Strategic Moves

    Mahendra Singh Dhoni, fondly known as ‘Captain Cool’, has ruled the cricketing world with his sharp instincts and fearless leadership. From winning World Cups to being one of the most celebrated captains, his journey on the field is legendary.

    But Dhoni’s story does not end with cricket. Off the field, MS Dhoni has made a name for himself with smart investments across various industries. Always on the lookout for great opportunities, his choices show a passion for growth. From tech startups to rising brands, Dhoni’s investments clearly reflect his forward-thinking approach.

    In this article, let’s take a closer look at MS Dhoni’s investments and how the cricket legend is making waves in the business world.

    MS Dhoni Investments List

    MS Dhoni Invested Companies Founded Year Headquarters Sector
    BluSmart Mobility 2019 Gurugram, India Electric Mobility
    Tagda Raho 2021 Karnataka, India Fitness & Wellness
    Rigi 2021 Karnataka, India Social & Content Monetization
    Shaka Harry 2022 Mumbai, India Plant-Based Food
    Garuda Aerospace 2015 Tamil Nadu, India Drones & Aerospace
    HomeLane 2014 Bengaluru, India Interior Design & Home Décor
    7InkBrews 2020 Maharashtra, India Food & Beverage
    Khatabook 2018 Bengaluru, India Fintech & Digital Payments
    CARS24 2015 Gurugram, India Automotive & Used Car Market

    List of Companies Invested in by MS Dhoni

    Here is a comprehensive list of Dhoni’s invested companies:

    Garuda Aerospace

    Garuda Aerospace - MS Dhoni Invested Companies
    Garuda Aerospace – MS Dhoni Invested Companies

    Mahendra Singh Dhoni first invested in Garuda Aerospace in June 2022, also becoming its brand ambassador. His initial investment amount was undisclosed. In February 2024, he topped up his investment, acquiring a 1.1% stake in the company with an INR 4 crore infusion. This move came ahead of Garuda Aerospace’s planned IPO. The Chennai-based startup, founded in 2015 by Agnishwar Jayaprakash, focuses on agriculture, defence, and industrial drones. Dhoni’s involvement highlights the potential of drone technology in India.

    EMotorad

    In April 2024, MS Dhoni invested in EMotorad, an electric bicycle startup based in Pune. Founded in 2020 by Kunal Gupta, Rajib Gangopadhyay, Aditya Oza, and Sumedh Battewar. Dhoni’s investment grants him equity in the company, and he also serves as its brand ambassador. This partnership aims to promote sustainable transportation solutions in India.

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    Tagda Raho

    In November 2023, Dhoni invested in Tagda Raho, a Bengaluru-based fitness startup. Founded by Rishabh Malhotra, the company blends traditional Indian workout equipment with modern training methods. Their equipment and programmes have been adopted by professional teams like Lucknow SuperGiants, Haryana Steelers, and the National Cricket Academy. Dhoni’s involvement aims to revive traditional Indian workouts and promote a healthier lifestyle.

    Rigi

    Dhoni joined the list of investors in Rigi in January 2023. The Bengaluru-based startup, founded in October 2021 by Swapnil Saurav and Ananya Singhal, helps content creators monetise their communities. Rigi secured INR 100 crore in a funding round led by Elevation Capital, with support from Accel, Stellaris, Sequoia Capital, and others. The company plans to use the funds to expand globally and develop new tools for creators.

    Shaka Harry

    Shaka Harry is a plant-based protein brand owned by Liberate Foods, a Bengaluru-based company focused on sustainable food alternatives. Founded by Anand Nagarajan, Anoop Haridasan, Hemalatha Srinivasan, Ruth Renitha, and Sandeep Devgan, the brand offers vegetarian alternatives to meat, catering to the growing demand for plant-based diets. In October 2022, Dhoni invested in Liberate Foods to support Shaka Harry’s growth and promote alternative protein choices in India.

    7InkBrews

    In April 2021, Dhoni became a shareholder and brand ambassador for 7InkBrews, a Mumbai-based food and beverage startup. Founded by Mohit Bhagchandani, with co-founders Adil Mistry and Kunal Patel, the company introduced the Copter7 range of artisanal chocolates and beverages. The brand name and packaging draw inspiration from Dhoni’s iconic helicopter shot and his jersey number. Copter7 products were initially launched in Mumbai, Pune, Goa, and Bengaluru, with plans to expand to other regions.

    Khatabook

    Khatabook is a Bengaluru-based fintech startup that helps small businesses manage digital ledgers and streamline payments. Founded by Ravish Naresh, Dhanesh Kumar, Jaideep Poonia, and Ashish Sonone, the platform has gained significant traction among MSMEs. It has also received backing from investors like Sequoia Capital and Surge Ventures. In March 2020, Dhoni invested an undisclosed amount in Khatabook and became its brand ambassador to support its growth and expansion.

    Cars24

    In August 2019, Dhoni invested an undisclosed amount in Cars24, a Gurugram-based online platform for buying and selling used cars. Founded in 2015 by Vikram Chopra, Mehul Agrawal, Gajendra Jangid, and Ruchit Agarwal, Cars24 streamlines the process of selling pre-owned vehicles. Dhoni’s investment includes an equity stake, and he also serves as the company’s brand ambassador. This partnership aims to enhance Cars24’s brand presence and expand its reach across India.

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    HomeLane

    HomeLane is a Bengaluru-based home interiors brand that provides end-to-end interior design solutions. Founded by Srikanth Iyer and Tanuj Choudhry, the company aims to simplify home furnishing with a tech-driven approach. It has expanded across multiple cities, catering to urban homeowners. In August 2021, Dhoni invested in HomeLane and signed a three-year contract as its brand ambassador.

    MS Dhoni’s Family Office: Strategic Investments in Emerging Sectors

    MS Dhoni’s family office is an active investment entity that manages the personal wealth of the former Indian cricket captain. Operating as a single-family office, it mainly focuses on early-stage investments, particularly Seed and Series A rounds, in Indian companies across various sectors. These investments show a strategic approach to supporting innovative companies that are bound for growth. Below is a summary of notable companies that have received investment from MS Dhoni’s family office:

    Date Company Location Sector Round Details Round Amount Co-Investors
    Mar 4, 2025 SILA Group Mumbai Real Estate Strategic Investment Undisclosed Norwest Venture Partners, SILA Founders (Rushabh & Sahil Vora)
    Sep 12, 2024 Centricity Gurugram FinTech Seed $20 million Burman Family Holdings, Lightspeed, Ritesh Agarwal (OYO), Paramark VC, Aakash Chaudhry, NB Ventures
    May 31, 2024 BluSmart Gurugram Electric Mobility Pre-Series B $24 million responsAbility Investments AG, Sumant Sinha (ReNew Power), BluSmart Founders

    BluSmart

    BluSmart is a Gurugram-based electric vehicle (EV) ride-hailing company offering sustainable transportation in India. It focuses on reducing carbon emissions by using an all-electric fleet and developing EV charging infrastructure. Dhoni invested in BluSmart in July 2024 through his family office, contributing to an INR 200 crore ($24 million) pre-Series B funding round. The round also saw participation from ResponsAbility Investments, ReNew founder Sumant Sinha, and BluSmart’s existing investors, supporting the company’s expansion and EV charging infrastructure.

    End Note

    MS Dhoni has invested in a variety of startups across technology, mobility, fintech, wellness, and sustainability. He has backed companies like Garuda Aerospace, EMotorad, Tagda Raho, Khatabook, and more, showing his interest in innovation and supporting India’s growing startup ecosystem.

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    FAQs

    What are the companies MS Dhoni has invested in?

    Some of the notable MS Dhoni-invested companies include BluSmart, Garuda Aerospace, Rigi, EMotorad, Tagda Raho, and more.

    Is MS Dhoni an angel investor?

    Yes, MS Dhoni has invested in several startups as an angel investor, including Tagda Raho, 7InkBrews, HomeLane, and more.

    What industries does MS Dhoni focus on for his investments?

    MS Dhoni primarily invests in technology, mobility, fintech, sports, and consumer goods.

    Does MS Dhoni own any businesses apart from his investments?

    Yes, apart from his investments, MS Dhoni co-owns Chennaiyin FC (Indian Super League team) and has launched his lifestyle brand, SEVEN, focusing on sportswear and footwear.

    How much did MS Dhoni invest in Gensol Engineering?

    MS Dhoni invested in BluSmart, whose parent company is Gensol Engineering, in July 2024 through his family office, contributing to an INR 200 crore ($24 million) pre-Series B funding round. The round also saw participation from ResponsAbility Investments, ReNew founder Sumant Sinha, and BluSmart’s existing investors.

  • MS Dhoni-Backed Garuda Aerospace Secures INR 100 Crore at $250 Million Valuation

    Garuda Aerospace, India’s most valuable drone startup, has successfully raised INR 100 crores in its Series B funding round from Venture Catalysts (VCAT) at a valuation of $250 million. This strategic infusion of capital marks a major milestone in Garuda Aerospace’s mission to bolster indigenous drone manufacturing and innovation. The fresh funds will significantly enhance the company’s capabilities in producing drone systems. The funds will also be allocated to scaling up its current production facility and fast-tracking the completion of a cutting-edge R&D and testing center dedicated to advanced defense drone design. This development not only strengthens Garuda Aerospace’s position in the Indian aerospace ecosystem but also aligns with the nation’s broader vision of achieving self-reliance in high-tech defense manufacturing. 

    Currently holding a robust portfolio of over 20+ patents, Garuda Aerospace has demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation and technological excellence in the fast-evolving drone sector. A dedicated portion of the newly secured funds will support the expansion of its intellectual property portfolio, further solidifying its position as a trailblazer in drone innovation and utilizing the funds towards producing a new design facility as well. This initiative underscores Garuda Aerospace’s strategic role in enhancing India’s defense and security capabilities through the development of cutting-edge, domestically engineered drone systems. Garuda Aerospace will continue to contribute meaningfully to the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.

    Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, said, “This Series B funding is a defining milestone in Garuda Aerospace’s growth journey. It not only strengthens our capacity to scale manufacturing and innovation but also positions us to accelerate the development of next-generation drones technology. As we prepare for our global growth expansion journey, this investment reinforces our commitment to building world-class, indigenous drone technologies that contribute to India’s economic progress, self-reliance in defense, and technological leadership on the global stage.”

    Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, Co-founder and Managing Director of VCAT, said, “We are immensely proud to lead this landmark Series B funding for Garuda Aerospace. This investment is closely aligned with our strategy of supporting homegrown champions that have the potential to transform India’s technological landscape and create significant socio-economic impact. The role Garuda is playing in strengthening India’s indigenous defense manufacturing ecosystem, while also creating a global footprint, is something that truly excites us. We firmly believe that in the years to come, Garuda Aerospace will emerge as a global leader in drone technology, making India the drone hub of the world by 2030.”

    Garuda Aerospace’s successful Series B funding of INR 100 crores signifies strong investor confidence in the company’s vision, technological prowess, and growth potential within the burgeoning Indian drone market. The Indian drone market is experiencing exponential growth, driven by increasing applications across agriculture, infrastructure, logistics, surveillance, and defense.

    With the government’s strong emphasis on promoting drone adoption and indigenous manufacturing through initiatives like the Drone Rules 2021 and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, the market presents a substantial opportunity. Garuda Aerospace has established a robust business model encompassing drone manufacturing, drone-as-a-service (DaaS) offerings, and pilot training. The company caters to a wide array of clients, including government agencies, agricultural enterprises, infrastructure companies, and defense establishments, providing tailored drone solutions for diverse needs. Garuda Aerospace continues working with local partners like Tata, HUL, Reliance etc. for indigenization of drones.

    MS Dhoni Backed Garuda Aerospace Invests in Zuppa
    India’s most valuable drone startup, Garuda Aerospace, announces a strategic investment in Zuppa, an indigenous deep-tech startup specializing in cyber-secure drones and advanced autopilot systems.
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    Financial Performance and Previous Funding

    In FY24, Garuda Aerospace’s revenue more than doubled to INR 110 crore, up from INR 47 crore in FY23. The company achieved a net profit of INR 16 crore, reflecting a 2.7x increase year-on-year, with an EBITDA margin of 22.5%.

    Prior to the current Series B round, the company raised INR 25 crore in a venture round in October 2023 led by Venture Catalysts and We Founder Circle, with participation from six investors. In February 2023, Garuda secured $22 million in a Series A round led by Sphiticap.

    About Garuda Aerospace 

    Garuda Aerospace is India’s leading Drone tech startup focused on disrupting two major multi-billion-dollar sectors, Precision Agri Tech and Industry 4.0 upgradation. Garuda Aerospace is asset-light, recession-proof, and agnostic and focuses on eliminating labourers in the agricultural field with drones focusing on designing, building, and customising of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Founded in 2015 with a team of 5, Garuda has scaled to a 200+ member team, having the largest drone fleet in India with over 400 drones and 500 pilots operating in 84 cities. Garuda Aerospace manufactures 30 types of drones and offers 50 types of services.

    Having served over 750 clients, including TATA, Godrej, Adani, Reliance, Swiggy, Flipkart, Delhivery, L&T, Survey of India, SAIL, NTPC, IOCL, Smart cities, Intel, Amazon, Wipro, IISC, MIT Boston, and NHAI for various projects, the company recently partnered with global giants such as Lockheed Martin, Cognizant and Elbit Systems. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji launched the drone yatra, where 100 drones were flagged off simultaneously across 100 villages in India.

    Garuda Aerospace is the first drone company to get DGCA approvals for Type Certification and Remote Pilot Training Organisation. Garuda is on a mission to impact 1 billion lives positively using affordable precision Drone Technology. Mahendra Singh Dhoni has invested in the company and is the Brand Ambassador.

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  • MS Dhoni Backed Garuda Aerospace Invests in Indigenous Defence Drone Startup Zuppa

    India’s most valuable drone startup, Garuda Aerospace, announces a strategic investment in Zuppa, an indigenous deep-tech startup specializing in cyber-secure drones and advanced autopilot systems. Garuda Aerospace’s investment in Zuppa marks a major milestone in strengthening the Make in India drone ecosystem, aligning with the government’s vision of advancing innovative indigenous defence technologies. 

    Through this investment, Garuda Aerospace and Zuppa now partner to drive innovation, expand market reach, and position India as a global leader in secure drone technology. As the only Indian company among a select seven worldwide with proprietary deep-tech in secure autopilot systems, vital for unmanned aerial systems (UAS), Zuppa brings unmatched expertise. Focused on joint development and market expansion, this collaboration will fast-track next-generation drone solutions. Zuppa leads in cyber-secure autopilot advancements, while Garuda Aerospace scales adoption through its strengths in financing, operations, and customer acquisition. 

    Speaking on the company’s investment in Zuppa, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder & CEO of Garuda Aerospace, said “At Garuda Aerospace, we strive hard with concentrated efforts to not just be at the forefront of India’s drone revolution but also in ensuring we have state of the art secure and safe technologies to offer. Our investment in Zuppa aligns with our vision of strengthening our defence capabilities and offering through homegrown, secure, and cutting-edge solutions. This investment reinforces our focus on building a robust, self-sufficient drone ecosystem that can cater to both domestic and global markets.”

    Sai Pattabiram, Founder and Managing Director of Zuppa, stated, “India has a unique opportunity to emerge as a ‘Global Hub for Secure Drones by 2030.’ However, achieving this goal requires the ecosystem to shift from assembling imported components to a well-structured, cooperative, tiered system similar to those in the aerospace and automotive industries. This partnership between two pioneering Indian drone companies sets a benchmark for future collaborations, driving the growth of the indigenous drone sector.”

    Venkatesh Sai, Co-founder and Technical Director at Zuppa, added, “This partnership holds immense potential for mutual success. Our collaboration with Garuda Aerospace is a true win-win, enabling us to focus on core technological advancements and maintain our competitive edge in autopilot and cyber-secure drone technology. Meanwhile, Garuda Aerospace leverages its strengths in financing, operations, and customer acquisition to drive expansion across diverse applications and geographies.”

    With the government’s strong push for Atmanirbhar Bharat and growing strategic partnerships in defence, Garuda Aerospace’s investment in Zuppa signals a transformative shift in India’s drone industry. The company partnered with Tata Elxsi to establish a design and engineering center for developing indigenous drone technologies, supporting defence, agriculture, and smart cities under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Strengthening its commitment, Garuda Aerospace also launched eight advanced drones for defence, safety, and logistics at Aero India 2025, showcasing cutting-edge technology for disaster management and military operations this year. Additionally, in a key discussion with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the company outlined its vision to become a market leader in the defence drone segment within two years.

    About Garuda Aerospace 

    Garuda Aerospace is India’s leading Drone tech start-up focused on disrupting two major multi-billion-dollar sectors, Precision Agri Tech and Industry 4.0 upgradation. Garuda Aerospace is asset-light, recession-proof, and agnostic and focuses on eliminating labourers in the agricultural field with drones focusing on designing, building, and customisation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Founded in 2015 with a team of 5, Garuda has scaled to a 200+ member team, having the largest drone fleet in India with over 400 drones and 500 pilots operating in 84 cities.

    Garuda Aerospace manufactures 30 types of drones and offers 50 types of services. Having served over 750 clients, including TATA, Godrej, Adani, Reliance, Swiggy, Flipkart, Delhivery, L&T, Survey of India, SAIL, NTPC, IOCL, Smart cities, Intel, Amazon, Wipro, IISC, MIT Boston, NHAI for various projects, the company recently partnered with global giants such as Lockheed Martin, Cognizant and Elbit Systems.

    Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji launched the drone yatra, where 100 drones were flagged off simultaneously across 100 villages in India. Garuda Aerospace is the first drone company to get DGCA approvals for Type Certification and Remote Pilot Training Organisation. Garuda is on a mission to impact 1 billion lives positively using affordable precision Drone Technology. Mahendra Singh Dhoni has invested in the company and is the Brand Ambassador.

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