Tata Elxsi, a global leader in design and technology services, has partnered with Garuda Aerospace, India’s leading drone manufacturer, to drive innovation in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at Aero India 2025, Asia’s largest airshow, held from February 10th to 14th. Together, the companies will establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) focused on designing, developing, and certifying next-generation drones for defence, agriculture, and smart city applications, aligning with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.
At Aero India 2025, Tata Elxsi and Garuda Aerospace showcased advanced UAV prototypes, designs, and operational models. They also conducted live demonstrations of indigenous drone components, highlighting India’s growing expertise in autonomous aerial technology. Tata Elxsi will lead the design, development, testing, and certification of UAVs, leveraging its strengths in avionics, miniaturization, secure communication, and energy-efficient propulsion systems.
The partnership will integrate cutting-edge technologies such as AI-driven solutions, digital twin systems, and advanced battery management. These innovations are expected to improve drone efficiency, reduce energy consumption by 20%, lower costs by over 20%, and shorten development timelines by up to six months. Tata Elxsi’s expertise in avionics certification, including compliance with DO-254 and DO-178C standards, will ensure the drones meet regulatory and safety requirements.
Garuda Aerospace, a prominent UAV manufacturer with a strong foothold in defence and industrial sectors, will focus on market expansion and deployment. The drones developed through this collaboration will serve critical roles in surveillance, payload management, precision agriculture, and logistics. These applications will address operational needs across various industries, including India’s defence forces and the Border Security Force. Additionally, the initiative is expected to create employment and skill development opportunities in the aerospace sector.
Jayaraj Rajapandian, Head of Aerospace, Rail & Off-highway at Tata Elxsi, commented, “This partnership with Garuda Aerospace is a major step toward enhancing India’s aerospace capabilities. By incorporating AI-powered advancements, we are supporting India’s self-reliance in UAV technology and strengthening the nation’s defence ecosystem.”
Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder & CEO of Garuda Aerospace, added, “Collaborating with Tata Elxsi underscores our commitment to indigenous drone innovation. Over the next three to five years, we aim to achieve full-scale domestic production and supply, positioning India as a global leader in UAV technology.”
About Tata Elxsi
Tata Elxsi is a global leader in design and technology solutions, catering to industries such as aerospace, automotive, healthcare, broadcast, and communications. The company specializes in digital transformation through AI, IoT, cloud, and mobility solutions, helping businesses innovate and reimagine their products and services.
About Garuda Aerospace
Garuda Aerospace is India’s leading drone technology startup, revolutionizing precision agriculture and Industry 4.0 solutions. Founded in 2015, the company operates the largest drone fleet in India, with over 400 drones and 500 pilots across 84 cities.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a global hub for UAV innovation and production.
