Gurugram, July 4, 2025: AVPL International, a leader in India’s drone ecosystem, announces $1 million investment in defense drone R&D. This follows their recent $12M commitment to advancing drone training and manufacturing. The new R&D initiative aims to accelerate the indigenous development of advanced unmanned aerial systems (UAS) tailored for India’s defense, homeland security, and dual-use applications.
The investment focuses on addressing critical gaps in India’s drone ecosystem, such as reducing dependence on imported components, developing intelligent drones with advanced swarm autonomy, and creating indigenous counter-UAS capabilities to protect critical assets. AVPL’s efforts also include high-altitude platforms capable of sustained flight in extreme terrains, with specific attention to the Himalayan region.
In addition to technological innovation, the investment is set to bolster AVPL’s Defense R&D and manufacturing infrastructure, including the latest facilities in Bihar and Hisar, capable of producing 24,000 drones annually. Special emphasis will be placed on upskilling ex-servicemen and Agniveers by equipping them with drone courses leveraging their battlefield readiness and logistical expertise to build a robust national UAV talent pipeline.
“AVPL is not just building drones, we are enabling a self-reliant Indian UAV ecosystem from chip to sky,” said Preet Sandhuu, Founder and MD of AVPL International. “This investment reflects our commitment and contribution to the growth of a robust drone supply chain under the Make in India initiative.”
The company’s innovation roadmap prioritizes advancements in key technologies, including carbon composite airframes, hybrid propulsion systems, encrypted telemetry, and AI-powered autonomy. These developments will enable the production of next-generation drones, including ISR platforms, kamikaze drones, modular VTOL systems, and anti-drone solutions, designed for both military and civilian applications.
