Tata Elxsi, a global leader in design and technology services, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Garuda Aerospace, India’s pioneering UAV manufacturer, at Aero India 2025, Asia’s largest airshow taking place from February 10th to 14th. This collaboration marks the establishment of a dedicated Centre of Excellence (CoE) focused on the design, development, and certification of next-generation drones tailored for defence, agriculture, and smart city applications, reinforcing the ‘Make in India’ vision.
As part of the showcase at Aero India 2025, Tata Elxsi and Garuda Aerospace are unveiling advanced UAV prototypes, designs, and operational models, along with a live demonstration of indigenous UAV components, highlighting India’s progress in autonomous aerial technology. Tata Elxsi will spearhead UAV design, development, testing, and certification, bringing its expertise in avionics, miniaturisation, secured communication, and energy-efficient propulsion systems.
The integration of AI-driven solutions, digital twin technology, and advanced battery management systems will enhance drone efficiency, cutting energy consumption by 20%, reducing costs by over 20%, and accelerating development timelines by up to six months. With its extensive experience in avionics certification, including compliance with DO-254 and DO-178C standards, Tata Elxsi ensures regulatory alignment and safety.
Garuda Aerospace, as an established UAV OEM with a strong presence in the defence and industrial sectors, will focus on market expansion and deployment. The jointly developed drones will serve critical applications, including surveillance, payload management, precision agriculture, and logistics, addressing operational demands across industries. This initiative is set to benefit India’s defence forces and Border Security Force, providing advanced UAV capabilities while also generating employment and skill development opportunities in the aerospace sector.
Jayaraj Rajapandian, Head of Aerospace, Rail & Off-highway at Tata Elxsi, said, “Our collaboration with Garuda Aerospace is a significant step towards strengthening India’s aerospace capabilities. By integrating AI-powered advancements, we are contributing to India’s self-reliance in UAV technology and enhancing the country’s defence ecosystem.”
Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder & CEO of Garuda Aerospace, stated, “Partnering with Tata Elxsi reinforces our commitment to indigenous drone innovation. Over the next three to five years, we aim to achieve full-scale domestic production and supply, driving India’s leadership in UAV technology.”
Tata Elxsi is a global leader in design and technology solutions, serving industries including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, broadcast, and communications. It specialises in digital transformation through AI, IoT, cloud, and mobility solutions, helping businesses reimagine their products and services.
Garuda Aerospace is India’s leading drone technology startup, revolutionising precision agriculture and Industry 4.0 solutions. Established in 2015, the company operates the largest drone fleet in India, with over 400 drones and 500 pilots across 84 cities.
With a diverse portfolio of 30 drone models and 50 service offerings, Garuda Aerospace has partnered with major corporations such as Tata, Adani, Reliance, Swiggy, and L&T. It is the first Indian drone company to secure DGCA Type Certification and Remote Pilot Training Organisation approvals. Under the leadership of its brand ambassador, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Garuda Aerospace is committed to positively impacting a billion lives through cutting-edge UAV technology.
