Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited has initiated construction of a new robotics and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturing facility at the MIHAN Special Economic Zone in Nagpur. The groundbreaking ceremony marks an important step in the company’s plans to expand into advanced defence technologies, autonomous systems, and robotics manufacturing.
The facility will focus on the design, development, and production of unmanned aerial vehicles, robotics platforms, and other defence technology systems. Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Solar Industries India Limited, will operate the project.
Once operational, the manufacturing unit is expected to produce UAVs with an annual capacity of approximately 10,000 units. These aerial systems are planned to cover operational ranges between 15 kilometres and 1,000 kilometres, supporting various defence and surveillance requirements. In addition, the facility will manufacture around 1,000 robotic systems intended for defence-related applications.
The project forms part of a broader investment programme by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited aimed at strengthening its capabilities in emerging defence technologies. The company has outlined plans to invest more than ₹12,800 crore in initiatives involving the development and production of robots, UAVs of multiple categories, and long-range missile systems.
According to the company, the investment will be implemented over the next three to four years for specific projects, while the overall development plan is expected to unfold over roughly a decade. The initiative is aligned with the Maharashtra government’s Mega Project and Thrust policy, which encourages large-scale industrial investments in the state.
Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited expects to produce its first prototype robot within one year after the development phase begins at the Nagpur facility. Beyond defence applications, the company is also exploring potential uses of these technologies in civilian, industrial, and dual-use sectors.
The new facility is planned as an advanced manufacturing ecosystem incorporating artificial intelligence and Industry 5.0 principles. The production environment will integrate robotics, intelligent automation, and human-centred manufacturing processes to support the development of next-generation defence systems.
During its initial phase, the facility will focus on the design and production of strategic products, including AI-enabled UAVs and medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) drones suitable for defence and commercial operations. The site will also produce specialised electronic components and assemblies used in advanced aerospace systems.
Solar Industries India Limited, the parent company, is a major Indian manufacturer of industrial explosives and defence products, supplying explosives, initiating systems, and ammunition for mining, infrastructure, and defence sectors. Through Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited, the group is expanding its presence in the defence manufacturing sector with a focus on UAV technologies, advanced ammunition, and other strategic systems.
