Drones

Paris Airshow, Le Bourget: Norway’s Elfly Group signed a contract at the Paris Airshow with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for the development of the conceptual prototype model of its Noemi (No Emissions) clean sheet, all-electric commercial seaplane.  The contract signed by Elfly’s Founding CEO Eric Lithun and EASA’s David Solar reinforces the company’s commitment to work closely with EASA towards eventual certification (2030) of the Noemi (No Emissions) in Europe. This development follows the recent conclusion of the Concept-Freeze-Review (CFR) of the aircraft prototype. The next step towards first flight of the full-scale aircraft includes interactions and technical discussions with the Agency. The EASA Pre-Application Contract (PAC) agreement allows Elfly Group to take the initial step with the agency towards achieving the first flight of the full-scale Noemi conceptual prototype aircraft. The PAC between Elfly and EASA covers the entire process of prototype development covering the agreement on the flight conditions necessary for the aircraft’s Permit-to-Fly. The PAC is structured to reflect a type certification process. This helps both Elfly and EASA to familiarize the development and test activities towards the target for certification. Elfly and EASA are signing a Pre-Application Contract agreement. This PAC involves agency review from the very beginning of the core development activities involving Technical Familiarization, Design, Manufacturing, Test activities and eventually agreement on the flight conditions for the prototype aircraft. David Solar, Head of Sustainability, Research and Innovation, EASA, said: “We’re pleased to take this important first step with Elfly through the Pre-Application Contract process. The Noemi project represents an exciting and ambitious vision for the future of sustainable aviation, and we look forward to supporting Elfly as they progress towards a safe and flightworthy prototype. Collaborative early engagement is key to enabling innovative new aircraft like Noemi to reach the market in a safe and timely way.” Noemi will serve as a valued platform for the future of aviation, highlighted Eric. “We have a fuselage and wing which outperforms the venerable de Havilland Twin Otter (floatplane) by a great margin,” he said. Noemi is a platform designed to be propulsion agnostic, he added, noting Elfly is still making a battery electric seaplane, but the Noemi platform also supports hybrid, Pratt & Whitney PT6 conventional engines and fuel, even, potentially hydrogen too – ‘if someone can present a valid business case.’ The Noemi platform is designed for the next 100 years of aviation and to go anywhere on the planet.   “We call it the ‘go anywhere plane,” concluded Eric Lithun. Elfly has amassed soft orders for 47 Noemis, worth an estimated $500 million with further interest for 300 more from operators from all over the world. The company is working toward the first flight of the conceptual prototype in 2027. Entry into service has a target year 2030.

Paris Airshow, Le Bourget: At the Paris Air Show, VÆRIDION and AURA AERO, Europe’s two leading developers of electric Conventional Take-Off & Landing aircraft (eCTOL), have signed the strategic collaboration to jointly advance green aviation technologies and accelerate the transition to zero-emission regional flight. The partnership, unveiled at the Paris Air Show, brings together two complementary approaches to sustainable aviation. It leverages AURA AERO and VAERIDION’s expertise in development of electric aircraft with their respective programs INTEGRAL E, ERA and MICROLINER. Key highlights of the collaboration: ● Setting standards for charging infrastructure at regional airports; ● Jointly advocating policy frameworks that support the early adoption of electric aviation; ● Exploring technical commonalities; ● Exploring Joint Lab and Flight Testing. Ivor van Dartel, CEO and Co-founder at VÆRIDION, said, “With our shared vision on design for certification and development backgrounds, we embrace this cooperation together with AURA AERO, building on complementary strengths and capabilities in line with our European heritage in international cooperation in Aeronautics.” Jérémy Caussade, CEO and Co-founder at AURA AERO, said,“ Together with VÆRIDION, we are bringing Europe at the forefront of electrical aircraft, with a joint approach towards certification and entry to service before 2030. We are happy to jointly reinforce European leadership on sustainable regional air connectivity.“ The announcement comes at a pivotal time, as both regulators and airlines intensify their focus on sustainable aviation solutions to decarbonize short-haul regional routes. This shift is especially prominent in Europe, where ambitious climate targets and growing public demand for greener alternatives are accelerating innovation and shaping the future of regional air travel. The electrification of aviation holds the potential to boost the European economy by strengthening regional connectivity, creating high-tech jobs, and positioning Europe as a global leader in clean aviation technologies.

New Delhi/Pune, 29th April, 2025: SiriNor, a deeptech aerospace startup based in India and Norway, has successfully completed the on-ground test of its all-electric jet engine in Pune.The test, which achieved Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL-6) under NASA’s framework, proved that SiriNor’s proprietary engine can deliver both the performance and scalability needed for commercial use. The engine exceeded its design targets, reaching over 40,000 RPM and delivering 10 kgf of thrust, demonstrating its readiness for commercial development and real-world applications. SiriNor is addressing a jet engine market projected to exceed USD 100 billion by 2030, at a time when aviation emissions and costs are under growing scrutiny. With a power-agnostic design compatible with both batteries and hydrogen fuel cells, the electric jet engine is built for application across drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to regional aircraft and seaplanes, targeting both civilian and defence markets. SiriNor will integrate its engine with UAVs, targeting rollout by mid-2026 and further plans to expand to seaplanes and ground-effect vehicles, aiming for certification and market entry in 2027. The final phase focuses on scaling up for regional and civil aircraft, with integration and certification planned for 2030. This staged process allows SiriNor to validate its technology, gain operational experience, and accelerate adoption—starting with drones and scaling to mainstream, zero-emission flight across the aviation sector. As per the release, by eliminating combustion and the need for exotic materials, the SiriNor engine cuts manufacturing costs by 30% and reduces maintenance by 40%. The flexible engine architecture lowers barriers to adoption, enables easier retrofitting, and is highly relevant for both emerging and established aviation manufacturers.

Delhi, 5th March, 2025: In one of the initiative, Skye Air Mobility has launched first-ever all-women drone delivery team proving that Indian women are second to none when it comes to innovation and leadership in emerging industries such as drones. As a powerful prelude to International Women’s Day, an initiative of Skye Air for women drone pilots and Skye Walkers executing seamless, end-to-end deliveries of essential goods—ranging from medicines and groceries to iPhones—using its proprietary drone delivery technology. Under this initiative the entire process, from piloting the drones to executing last-mile deliveries, will be managed exclusively by women. This marks a world-first achievement in fully female-led drone logistics and signals the beginning of a revolution in the traditionally male-dominated logistics sector. With the drone industry growing at an exponential pace, there is an increasing demand for skilled pilots, creating new avenues for women to break barriers and lead in this futuristic profession. Globally, female representation in drone aviation has been on the rise, with the number of women holding an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate in the US nearly doubling from 3.9% in 2016 to 6.7% in 2019. While these numbers are still small, the momentum is shifting, and India is taking bold steps to ensure that women are at the forefront of this transformation. However, the industry still presents challenges, including limited access to training, resources, and mentorship for women. Traditionally, sectors like drones, space, and virtual reality have been perceived as male-dominated, but this narrative is rapidly changing. With growing interest and active participation from women, companies are now focusing on developing educational programs and skill-based training to bridge the gap and empower women to lead in drone technology. Recognizing the potential of women in drone logistics, Skye Air Mobility will train 500 women pilots and Skye Walkers over the next two years, equipping them with expertise in drone operations, delivery management, and last-mile logistics. This initiative also aligns with the spirit of ‘Namo Drone Didi’, a government-backed program that encourages women to harness drone technology for economic empowerment. By supporting women in drone operations, such initiatives are not only fostering financial independence but also reshaping the logistics industry into a more inclusive space.

Bengaluru, 25th February, 2025: Sirinor AS,based in Stavanger, Norway with specialisation in developing electric propulsion systems and FloFly Technologies,India based Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) development company have entered into a MoU to design, develop, manufacture and integrate next-generation propulsion solutions for advanced drone platforms in India. The partnership aims to integrate SiriNor’s cutting-edge electric and hybrid-electric propulsion technologies into FloFly’s high-payload, long-endurance UAV and UCAV systems, which are designed for defense, industrial, and surveillance applications. This collaboration fosters towards enhancing flight endurance, optimizing aerodynamics, and ensuring compliance with international regulatory standards. Key highlights of the collaboration include: ● Development of electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems tailored for integration with Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) and UCAV drone platforms being developed by Flofly Technologies. ● Joint efforts to achieve certification, including Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) standards and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) capabilities. ● Testing and validation of propulsion systems to ensure optimal performance and efficiency leveraging Sirinor’s core expertise. ● Exploration of AI-driven flight controls, advanced sensor integration (such as LiDAR), and multi-payload configurations to boost operational capabilities led byFlofly Technologies. ● Market collaboration to promote and scale innovative UAV and UCAV solutions powered by SiriNor’s technology. “SiriNor is excited to partner with FloFly Technologies to push the boundaries of what’s possible in UAV and UCAV propulsion,” said Ivar Vee Aune, CEO at SiriNor AS. “Our combined expertise will drive sustainable, high-performance solutions that meet the growing demands of defense, industry, and surveillance missions. “Co-Founder & CTO of FloFly Technologies, Arjun Saravana Muthu added, “This collaboration with SiriNor strengthens our commitment to delivering cutting edge, long-endurance drone systems. By leveraging their propulsion technology, we aim to set new benchmarks in efficiency, reliability, and operational range.” Through this partnership,both the companies will look forward to innovation, sustainability, and leadership in the global UAV and UCAV market aligning with the growing demand in the region and trajectory of technological evolution.

Bengaluru, February 17, 2025: Garuda Aerospace has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Himachal Futuristic Communications Limited (HFCL) at Aero India 2025 for the advancement of AI in Indigenous UAV Technology. Under this MoU, both the companies will drive innovation across critical sectors, including defence, agriculture, surveillance, industrial inspection, disaster response, and logistics. HFCL will focus on designing advanced payloads such as EO/IR sensors, LiDAR, and AI-driven communication systems, while Garuda Aerospace will integrate these technologies into its UAV platforms, ensuring seamless deployment for both commercial and defense applications. Under this MOU, drones will be equipped with AI capabilities to support various applications, including disaster management with thermal imaging drones for search, rescue, and damage assessment. Industrial inspections through high-resolution cameras and 5G-enabled drone networks for smart city surveillance will also be tapped. Additionally, AI-powered cargo drones will optimize logistics and urban mobility. Real-time monitoring and analytics for the Namo Drone Didi and Viksit Bharat initiatives will also support farmers . The partnership will further involve joint research in AI, machine learning, and sensor fusion technologies, driving the development of next-gen UAV systems with extended flight times, autonomy, and swarm capabilities. This strategic alliance strengthens India’s self-reliance in UAV technology, aligns with the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, and positions both companies to drive global market expansion through indigenous manufacturing and innovation.

Mumbai, February 12, 2025: Tata Elxsi, a global design and technology services, and Garuda Aerospace, a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) manufacturer, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Aero India 2025.This partnership establishes a dedicated UAV design, engineering, and certification center to develop indigenous drone technologies specifically for Indian defence applications, along with agriculture, and smart cities, supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Tata Elxsi and Garuda Aerospace are showcasing prototypes, designs, and operational UAVs at Aero India 2025. In addition, a demonstration of indigenised UAV components highlights India’s advancements in autonomous UAV technologies. Tata Elxsi will lead the design, development, testing, and certification of UAV subsystems, leveraging its expertise in avionics, miniaturisation, ground control systems, secured communication, and energy optimisation. Its proven capabilities in avionics certification, including compliance with DO-254 and DO-178C standards, will ensure regulatory adherence and safety. By integrating its proprietary autonomous and digital twin technologies, AI-driven solutions, and advanced propulsion and battery management systems, Tata Elxsi will enhance UAV efficiency, reduce energy consumption by 20%, cut costs by over 20%, and accelerate development cycles by up to six months. Garuda Aerospace, as an OEM with a strong presence in defence and other sectors, will lead business acquisition and delivery. The drones developed under this initiative will cater to multiple applications such as payload management, goods delivery, precision agriculture, and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions, addressing critical operational needs across industries. The Indian defence forces and Border Security Force are expected to be key beneficiaries of this collaboration, gaining access to cutting-edge UAV capabilities. Additionally, this initiative will create new employment opportunities and contribute to workforce development in the aerospace sector. Jayaraj Rajapandian, Head of Aerospace, Rail & Off-highway, Tata Elxsi, stated: “Our partnership with Garuda Aerospace marks a major milestone in India’s aerospace ambitions. By driving AI-powered UAV advancements, we are strengthening India’s defence ecosystem and reinforcing the country’s self-reliance in aerospace technologies.” Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder & CEO of Garuda Aerospace, said “This strategic collaboration with Tata Elxsi reinforces our commitment to indigenous innovation. Over the next three to five years, we will focus on fully indigenised production and supply of airborne and ground systems, strengthening India’s leadership in UAV technology.”

Bengaluru,10th February, 2025: Garuda Aerospace, a leading force in India’s drone technology sector, proudly presented its latest innovation, the MV 1000 AMARAN, at Aero India 2025, unveiled byFormer DRDO Chairman & Advisor to Defence Minister Dr.Satheesh Reddy and Mr. Sampathkumaran S T, Executive President (Defence Business), HFCL Limited. This advanced rocket launcher drone is poised to significantly bolster the nation’s defense capabilities and shape the future of security and humanitarian efforts. The AMARAN is a tribute to the memory of Major Mukul Varadharajan, a hero whose life story was immortalised in the film ‘Amaran’, starring Sivakarthikeyan. “The MV 1000 AMARAN is a testament to our dedication to innovation and excellence in drone technology,” said Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO, Garuda Aerospace “We believe this drone will play a crucial role in strengthening our nation’s defense infrastructure. We are honored to dedicate this achievement to the memory of Mukul Varadharajan, a true inspiration for our country,” he concluded.