15 February 2023, National
Garuda Aerospace unveiled its latest technological marvel- SURAJ, a solar-powered unmanned reconnaissance aerial J-Glider at the Aero India 2023 show, Bangalore, India. Dr. Satheesh Reddy, Former DRDO Chairman and current Principal Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister unveiled the drone.
SURAJ is an ISR high-altitude drone designed specifically for surveillance operations, providing real-time information to the high command and protecting jawans on the ground. The drone’s unique J-shaped wings are equipped with solar-powered cells that serve as its primary fuel source, while an auxiliary battery provides additional propulsion or decreased speed as required. The drone will carry a versatile payload of high-resolution zoom cameras with thermal imagery and foliage-penetrating lidar sensors with a maximum capacity of 10 kg. This cutting-edge technology will capture, process, and transmit photos and videos in real-time, ensuring that the headquarters and base have access to vital information before planning strategic operations and terms. It has an endurance of 12 hours and can fly at an altitude of 3000 ft. The drone is all set to support various Indian and Global giants namely the Indian Army, Navy, Airforce, BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, DRDO, MOD, and MHA. Recently, Garuda Aerospace created history by raising $22 Million, the largest ever Series A funding in the drone sector. The funds will therefore help in the development of a 1:1 prototype of SURAJ which will be ready to fly by August 2023.
Dr. Satheesh Reddy, Former DRDO Chairman and current Principal Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister said, “Garuda Aerospace is one of the upcoming digital technology companies in the drone sector that are developing many technological solutions for various sectors like Defence, Agriculture and Industrial Automation. We are trying to work closely with Garuda Aerospace and It’s an honour for me to unveil their solar-powered unmanned reconnaissance aerial J-Glider SURAJ drone. My heartiest congratulations to the entire team of Garuda Aerospace.”
Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO, Garuda Aerospace said, “At Garuda Aerospace, we believe in the power of technology to transform the sector better. Garuda Aerospace’s SURAJ drone, will help in providing military and security support with edge-cutting solutions like real-time monitoring. Garuda Aerospace is also being guided by NAL, DRDO and several other scientists on the development of the SURAJ drone. We are so honored to unveil the SURAJ drone at Aero India 2023 and look forward to more success for Garuda Aerospace. Garuda Aerospace is committed to providing innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of our military and security forces. We are confident that the SURAJ drone will play a vital role in safeguarding the security of our nation and the people. Suraj will have ISR capability and will be equipped with AI, ML and Bionic Chip for advanced real-time processing.”
Honorable PM Narendra Modi Ji simultaneously flagged 100 Kisan drones in 100 villages across India with live tracking, data collection, and processing. Garuda Aerospace has been the preferred drone partner for NDRF since the pandemic. Equipped with 400 drones and over 500 pilots across 84 cities, Garuda Aerospace is equipped to support different emergencies. Former captain of India’s national cricket team Mahendra Singh Dhoni unveiled a camera drone called Droni at The Global Drone Expo in Chennai and became the firm’s Brand Ambassador as well.
