Bengaluru, February 17, 2025: Garuda Aerospace, India’s leading drone startup, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Himachal Futuristic Communications Limited (HFCL) at Aero India 2025. This collaboration combines HFCL’s expertise in advanced payload systems with Garuda Aerospace’s leadership in UAV manufacturing and deployment, marking a significant step in strengthening India’s UAV ecosystem.

The partnership between Garuda Aerospace and HFCL will drive innovation across critical sectors, including defence, agriculture, surveillance, industrial inspection, disaster response, and logistics. HFCL will focus on designing advanced payloads such as EO/IR sensors, LiDAR, and AI-driven communication systems, while Garuda Aerospace will integrate these technologies into its UAV platforms, ensuring seamless deployment for both commercial and defense applications.

Under this MOU, drones will be equipped with AI capabilities to support various applications, including disaster management with thermal imaging drones for search, rescue, and damage assessment. Industrial inspections through high-resolution cameras and 5G-enabled drone networks for smart city surveillance will also be tapped. Additionally, AI-powered cargo drones will optimize logistics and urban mobility. Real-time monitoring and analytics for the Namo Drone Didi and Viksit Bharat initiatives will also support farmers . The partnership will further involve joint research in AI, machine learning, and sensor fusion technologies, driving the development of next-gen UAV systems with extended flight times, autonomy, and swarm capabilities. This strategic alliance strengthens India’s self-reliance in UAV technology, aligns with the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, and positions both companies to drive global market expansion through indigenous manufacturing and innovation.

Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder & CEO, Garuda Aerospace, said “At Garuda Aerospace, we’re building a foundation for next-generation drones that will strengthen UAV technology. This collaboration gives Garuda a significant competitive advantage, enabling us to offer our customers the most advanced drone solutions available. The integration of high-performance payload technology for our drones will benefit various sectors, reducing our reliance on foreign suppliers and boosting our ‘Make in India’ initiative.”

Sampathkumaran S T, Executive President (Defence Business), HFCL  said “The partnership with Garuda Aerospace represents a powerful synergy. HFCL is committed to driving technological innovation across sectors. By combining our technological strengths, we are together building a future where drones are integral to national security, economic growth, and humanitarian efforts. We’re proud to be part of this ‘Make in India’ initiative and excited to see the impact of our joint efforts on a global scale.”

The partnership promises to accelerate large scale drone deployment, boosting indigenous manufacturing and creating opportunities for global market expansion. By driving innovation in UAV technology, Garuda Aerospace and HFCL are poised to lead India’s journey toward self-reliance in advanced defence and technology solutions.