Solar Defence and Aerospace begins construction of robotics and UAV manufacturing facility in Nagpur!

Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited has begun construction of a new robotics and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturing facility at the MIHAN Special Economic Zone in Nagpur. The groundbreaking ceremony marks an important step in the company’s strategy to expand its presence in advanced defence technologies, autonomous systems and robotics manufacturing.

The new facility will focus on the design, development and production of unmanned aerial vehicles, robotics platforms and other advanced defence systems. Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Solar Industries India Limited, will lead the development and operation of the project.

Once fully operational, the plant is expected to manufacture approximately 10,000 UAVs annually. These aerial platforms will be designed to support operational ranges from 15 kilometres to 1,000 kilometres, enabling applications across defence surveillance, tactical reconnaissance and long-range mission operations. In addition to UAV production, the facility will manufacture around 1,000 robotic systems each year intended for defence-related applications.

The new manufacturing unit forms part of a broader investment plan by Solar Defence and Aerospace aimed at strengthening its capabilities in emerging defence technologies. The company has outlined a long-term investment program exceeding ₹12,800 crore focused on the development and production of advanced robotic systems, UAV platforms across multiple categories and long-range missile systems.

According to the company, the investment will be implemented in phases. Certain key projects will be developed over the next three to four years, while the overall roadmap for technology development and production expansion is expected to unfold over roughly a decade. The project aligns with the Maharashtra government’s Mega Project and Thrust policy, which supports large-scale industrial investments and technology-driven manufacturing initiatives in the state.

As part of its development timeline, Solar Defence and Aerospace expects to produce its first prototype robotic system within one year of beginning development activities at the Nagpur site. While the facility is primarily focused on defence applications, the company is also exploring opportunities for deploying these technologies in civilian, industrial and dual-use sectors.

The new plant is being designed as a highly advanced manufacturing ecosystem that integrates artificial intelligence and Industry 5.0 principles. Industry 5.0 emphasizes collaboration between human expertise and intelligent automation systems, combining robotics, advanced sensors and AI-driven production processes. This approach is expected to enable the efficient development and manufacturing of next-generation defence systems.

During the initial phase of operations, the facility will prioritize the design and production of strategic aerospace technologies, including AI-enabled UAVs and medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) drones. These platforms can be used for both defence and commercial operations, including surveillance, monitoring and specialized aerial missions.

The Nagpur site will also manufacture specialised electronic components and assemblies used in advanced aerospace and defence platforms. By integrating electronics production, UAV development and robotics manufacturing within a single facility, the company aims to build a comprehensive ecosystem for defence technology innovation.

With the launch of this new facility, Solar Defence and Aerospace is positioning itself to play a larger role in India’s expanding defence manufacturing sector. The project also supports the country’s broader goal of strengthening domestic capabilities in advanced aerospace, robotics and autonomous defence technologies while reducing reliance on imports.