Magellanic Cloud Limited has announced the formation of a strategic joint venture with India-based defence technology company Rayonix Tech to manufacture Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in India, in collaboration with Israel-based robotics and autonomous systems specialist XTEND. Valued at approximately $11 million (around ₹100 crore), the venture marks a major step in Magellanic Cloud’s expansion into the defence and security technology sector while supporting India’s Make in India and self-reliance initiatives in advanced military systems.
The partnership will establish local manufacturing, testing and distribution capabilities for UAV platforms within India to meet growing demand from the country’s armed forces, homeland security agencies and other strategic users. The venture aims to combine XTEND’s autonomous operating technologies with domestic production capabilities to create mission-ready drone systems tailored to Indian operational requirements.
XTEND’s proprietary XOS operating system will serve as the core software platform for the UAVs manufactured under the partnership. The system is designed to enable human-guided autonomy, AI-powered navigation, mission planning and real-time control across multiple robotic platforms.
As XTEND’s exclusive manufacturing and distribution partner in India for selected systems, Magellanic Cloud will support local deployment through an integrated software-led architecture. XTEND’s tactical drone portfolio includes the SCORPIO 500 for precision strike operations, SCORPIO 1000 for longer-range missions, XTENDER for compact intelligence and surveillance tasks, HONEY BADGER for demanding operational environments, and WOLVERINE for AI-assisted tactical missions.
Joseph Sudheer Thumma, Global CEO and Managing Director of Magellanic Cloud Limited, said, “This joint venture represents an important milestone in our strategy to strengthen India’s defence technology ecosystem. By combining XTEND’s field-proven platforms and advanced XOS software with our manufacturing capabilities, we are delivering next-generation autonomous systems designed for modern defence needs. The future of warfare will increasingly depend on software-defined autonomy, rapid decision-making and seamless multi-platform coordination.” He added that the collaboration would help position Magellanic Cloud as a technology-led player in indigenous defence innovation while expanding XTEND’s global operational footprint.
The company said the new venture also reinforces its growing focus on drones, AI-enabled surveillance and intelligent infrastructure technologies. Magellanic Cloud has been investing in sectors with strong national relevance and long-term growth potential, including security systems, data analytics and automation platforms.
Magellanic Cloud Limited is a publicly listed global technology company traded on both the National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange. The company provides AI-powered surveillance systems, drone technologies, video analytics, fintech automation, cloud services and IT workforce solutions for enterprise and government clients. With operations spanning India, the United States and the Middle East, Magellanic Cloud serves sectors including banking, government, retail, logistics and enterprise infrastructure through its group companies such as Scanalitix, Scandron, iVIS, Motivity Labs, Finoux and JNIT.
