Jyoti Global Plast has announced the launch of AeroDrop, a military-grade unmanned aerial vehicle, marking the company’s entry into defence-oriented UAV systems. The platform is designed for use by defence and security forces and is intended for tactical payload delivery and operational support in high-risk environments.
This launch expands Jyoti Global Plast’s UAV work beyond civilian and industrial use into dedicated military applications. The move reflects the increasing role of unmanned systems in modern defence operations, where drones are used to extend operational capability while limiting risk to personnel. The AeroDrop programme is part of a broader defence initiative that is currently undergoing the company’s shareholder approval process.
AeroDrop is built as a tactical payload delivery UAV capable of carrying defence-specific mission payloads with controlled release. The platform has a maximum take-off weight of 25 kg and can carry up to 7 kg of payload. It is equipped with hardpoints to support 5–7 payloads and includes an automated payload release system for accurate deployment during missions.
The UAV is designed for operation in varied and demanding terrain, including high-altitude regions, deserts, and dense jungle areas where conventional access is restricted. It supports both daytime and night-time missions and can be fitted with daylight cameras and thermal sensors. These capabilities allow it to perform tasks such as reconnaissance, target support, and coordination during tactical operations.
Low acoustic output and mission endurance are key features of the platform. AeroDrop is designed to reduce noise during operation and offers up to 25 minutes of flight time at full payload. It has an operational range of up to 5 km and can operate at altitudes of up to 3,000 metres above mean sea level, with an operational ceiling of 2,200 metres above ground level.
For operations in electronic warfare or signal-restricted environments, AeroDrop can be configured with an optical fibre-based communication system to reduce vulnerability to jamming. Around 75 percent of the platform has been developed domestically, including the flight controller, GNSS, ground control station, fibre optic communication system, and battery. This aligns with India’s focus on indigenous defence manufacturing.
Commenting on the launch, Hiren Shah, Managing Director, Jyoti Global Plast, said:
“AeroDrop has been developed with defence requirements as the primary focus. The aim was to build a reliable platform that can operate consistently in demanding and contested environments.”
The launch reflects a broader shift in defence UAV usage, where unmanned platforms are increasingly used for tactical support, force protection, and precision deployment rather than surveillance alone. As defence strategies continue to evolve, such systems are becoming a regular part of operational planning.
AeroDrop adds to Jyoti Global Plast’s growing UAV portfolio, which includes surveillance drones for day and night operations, an industrial cleaning drone platform with a confirmed commercial order, and the AeroCrop agricultural UAV. These programmes indicate the company’s move toward application-specific drone development across multiple sectors.
With over 40 years of manufacturing and engineering experience, Jyoti Global Plast continues to expand its role within India’s UAV and defence ecosystem, focusing on domestically developed platforms aligned with national security requirements.
Jyoti Global Plast Limited is a manufacturer of precision plastic and composite moulded products, serving sectors such as packaging, automotive, electronics, consumer goods, defence, and aerospace. Headquartered in Navi Mumbai, the company operates four manufacturing facilities across Maharashtra, offering blow moulding, injection moulding, and automated production capabilities.
The company has in-house R&D and engineering capabilities and manufactures components including fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) cable connectors, lightweight drone structures, and enclosures for defence and aerospace use. Jyoti Global Plast operates under ISO-certified quality systems and follows sustainable manufacturing practices. Founded in 1990, the company recently completed a successful IPO and has entered the defence and aerospace sector as part of its long-term growth strategy.
