Tata Elxsi and Garuda Aerospace Ink MoU for UAV Centre of Excellence

Bengaluru- Tata Elxsi Limited., a design and technology services across industries including Automotive, and Garuda Aerospace Private Limited., a pioneering UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) manufacturer, have signed an MoU at Aero India 2025, Asia’s largest airshow, held from February 10–14. This partnership establishes a dedicated center for UAV design, engineering, and certification, focusing on indigenous drone technologies for Indian defense, agriculture, and smart city applications, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Tata Elxsi and Garuda Aerospace are showcasing prototypes, designs, and operational UAVs at Aero India 2025. They are also demonstrating indigenized UAV components, highlighting India’s advancements in autonomous drone technologies.

Tata Elxsi will spearhead the design, development, testing, and certification of UAV subsystems, leveraging its expertise in avionics, miniaturization, ground control systems, secured communication, and energy optimization. Its proven capabilities in avionics certification, including compliance with DO-254 and DO-178C standards, ensure regulatory adherence and safety. By integrating proprietary autonomous and digital twin technologies, AI-driven solutions, and advanced propulsion and battery management systems, Tata Elxsi aims to enhance UAV efficiency, reduce energy consumption by 20%, cut costs by over 20%, and accelerate development cycles by up to six months.

Garuda Aerospace, as an OEM with a strong presence in defense and other sectors, will lead business acquisition and delivery. The drones developed under this initiative will support applications such as payload management, goods delivery, precision agriculture, and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions, addressing critical operational needs across industries.

The Indian defense forces and Border Security Force are expected to be key beneficiaries, gaining access to cutting-edge UAV capabilities. This initiative will also create new employment opportunities and contribute to workforce development in the aerospace sector.

Mr. Jayaraj Rajapandian, Head of Aerospace, Rail & Off-highway, Tata Elxsi, said, “Our partnership with Garuda Aerospace marks a major milestone in India’s aerospace ambitions. By driving AI-powered UAV advancements, we are strengthening India’s defence ecosystem and reinforcing the country’s self-reliance in aerospace technologies.”

Mr. Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder & CEO of Garuda Aerospace, said “This strategic collaboration with Tata Elxsi reinforces our commitment to indigenous innovation. Over the next three to five years, we will focus on fully indigenised production and supply of airborne and ground systems, strengthening India’s leadership in UAV technology.” 

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