India is taking a big step in strengthening its defense with indigenous drone technology. Tata Elxsi, a leader in design and technology services, has partnered with Garuda Aerospace, a top UAV manufacturer. This partnership, announced at Aero India 2025, Asia’s largest airshow, will lead to the establishment of a specialized UAV center for design, engineering, and certification. The center will focus on developing indigenous drone technologies for Indian defense, agriculture, and smart cities, supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Both companies are showcasing cutting-edge UAVs and prototypes at Aero India 2025. They are also demonstrating indigenized UAV components, highlighting India’s progress in autonomous drone technology.
The Indian defense forces and Border Security Force (BSF) will gain access to state-of-the-art UAVs. These drones will improve border surveillance, tactical operations, and security monitoring. Additionally, this initiative will create new jobs in the aerospace sector and promote skill development.
Role of Tata Elxsi in UAV Development
Tata Elxsi will handle the design, development, testing, and certification of UAV subsystems. The company has expertise in avionics, miniaturization, secured communication, and ground control systems. It will also ensure compliance with DO-254 and DO-178C certification standards, making the drones safer and more reliable.
By integrating AI, digital twin technology, and advanced propulsion systems, Tata Elxsi aims to:
- Reduce energy consumption by 20%
- Lower overall costs by 20%
- Accelerate development cycles by six months
Garuda Aerospace’s Contribution
Garuda Aerospace will focus on business acquisition and delivery. The company has a strong presence in defense and commercial sectors. The drones developed through this partnership will serve multiple applications, including: payload management, goods delivery, precision agriculture and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
This partnership between Tata Elxsi and Garuda Aerospace marks a new era for India’s defense and UAV technology. By leveraging AI, secure communication, and indigenous innovation, these companies are set to redefine aerial security and surveillance.
