CREATING A UAV FOR THE WORLD

BonV Aero aims to be a global supplier of cost-effective, indigenous heavy-lift UAVs designed for extreme altitudes, harsh weather, and rugged terrains, offering competitively priced, exportcontrol-free drones built in India for countries with challenging geographies like mountainous borders and disaster-prone areas. SATYABRATA SATAPATHY, Co-Founder and CEO, BonV Aero, outlines their vision

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How will your heavy-lift drones change the way militaries operate, and not just how they resupply troops?

Heavy-lift drones are more than supply carriers; they are enablers of new military concepts. By delivering ammunition, food, and medical aid directly to forward posts, our UAVS reduce reliance on long, vulnerable convoys and helicopters.

This enables forces to set up and sustain forward operating bases in previously inaccessible areas, maintain dispersed yet resilient formations, and rapidly deploy critical equipment in contested zones. In short, they turn logistics into true force multipliers.

What government help is most needed for your company to go from developing new technology to mass-producing it?

Two things are critical: faster procurement pathways and manufacturing support.

Defence startups like us need transparent, time-bound processes for trials and inductions. Policies that encourage long-term contracts, advance purchase commitments, and partnerships with public sector units can help scale production. Additionally, incentives for indigenous component manufacturing will strengthen the supply chain and reduce costs.

How are your drones designed to easily connect and work with the military's existing systems and other drones?