EndureAir Joins Forces with Defence PSUs for Advanced Drone Testing in UP Defence Corridor

Noida, India: In a groundbreaking move to boost the indigenous defence industry, EndureAir, an innovative unmanned aviation technology company, has joined forces with five Defence Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS). This collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing the country’s defence capabilities and reducing dependency on foreign imports. 

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was recently signed between the Ministry of Defence (MoD), EndureAir, and the five Defence PSUs—Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GIL), Yantra India Limited (YIL), and Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML). These entities, alongside IIT Kanpur and the Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor, will establish state-of-the-art testing facilities within the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC). 

EndureAir's Role in Advancing Indigenous UAS Technology 

EndureAir stands out as the sole private firm participating in this monumental project. The company is set to play a pivotal role in developing these cutting-edge facilities, particularly a dedicated Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) testing site at Technopark IIT Kanpur. This facility will serve as a hub for testing and refining advanced drone technologies, driving innovation in the unmanned aerial systems sector. 

Prof. Abhishek, Co-founder of EndureAir, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We are honoured to be a part of this landmark initiative. The establishment of the UAS testing facility at IIT Kanpur would ensure easy accessibility to all end users. At EndureAir, we hope to leverage this infrastructure to build world-class high-performance UAS solutions. We look forward to contributing to the growth of the defence sector and supporting the vision of a self-reliant India.”

The collaboration between EndureAir and the Defence PSUs under DTIS is a critical step towards self-reliance in the defence sector. These facilities will enable the certification of UAS and subsystems to meet international standards, fostering an environment where indigenous defence production can thrive. The initiative also underscores the importance of private-public partnerships in accelerating technological advancements within India’s aerospace and defence sectors. 

Overcoming Challenges in the Indian Drone Industry 

The Indian UAV industry has long faced challenges related to testing infrastructure, hindering the development of advanced drones. The new facilities will address these issues by providing comprehensive testing capabilities that ensure the highest standards of performance and reliability. 

One of the most significant features of the upcoming UAS testing facility is the gust wall, designed to test the wind-handling capabilities of drones. This facility, a first-of-its-kind in India, will house the latest testing equipment and setups currently unavailable anywhere else in the country. It will be managed by a not-for-profit company under Section 8, ensuring that UAV companies across India have access to this advanced infrastructure on a payment basis, facilitating a one-stop solution for testing and certification.

The testing facilities will also expedite the certification process for UAS intended for defence applications, particularly those in the higher weight categories. By enabling subsystem-level testing, these facilities will ensure the reliability of UAS, enhancing customer satisfaction and promoting industry growth. This development is expected to open foreign markets to Indian-made drones, further strengthening the country’s position in the global defence industry. 

Integration with the Defence Industrial Corridors 

The UAS testing facility is closely integrated with the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, providing a significant boost to emerging UAS companies. By assisting in the timely certification of products, the initiative supports the establishment of manufacturing plants within the corridor, reinforcing the government’s vision of a self-reliant India. 

This collaboration represents a significant shift towards indigenous production and self-reliance in the Indian defence sector. For EndureAir and the broader drone industry, this initiative offers an unparalleled opportunity to leverage advanced testing infrastructure, driving innovation and enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian-made UAVs. The facility will set a benchmark for future advancements, facilitating the testing and deployment of sophisticated unmanned systems that meet both national and international standards.  

EndureAir Systems, founded in 2019 and incubated at IIT Kanpur, specializes in providing world-class drone technology tailored to the needs of the Indian Armed Forces and various other sectors. The company’s products offer industry-leading features, including the capability to carry heavy payloads with high endurance. EndureAir is committed to developing cutting-edge technology and providing customizable drone solutions to address real-world challenges.