Solar Defence Bets INR 12,800 Cr on Deep Tech

Nagpur, Maharashtra – Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd, India’s leading manufacturer of commercial explosives & blasting systems and ammunition, has announced plans to invest more than INR 12,800 crore in Deep-Tech. The projects will focus on robotics and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), along with long-range missile systems, marking a significant push into advanced defence technologies.

Its investment will aid the production of robots and drones of various sizes and configurations, as well as building long-range missile capabilities. The decision, according to the Solar Group Chairman Satyanarayan Nuwal, represents the dynamism of global warfare and the growing trend of depending on advanced technology in modern defence systems.

Talking about the new plant in Nagpur, Nuwal indicated that the facility will be designed to manufacture up to 10,000 drones annually, tailored to different operational needs. The facility will also be able to produce approximately 1,000 robots in a year.

The INR 12,800-crore investment is expected to be rolled out over the next three to four years, though the broader project forms part of a 10-year investment plan under the Maharashtra Government’s Mega Project and Thrust policy. The company is also looking forward to developing its first robot prototype in the coming one year.

Solar Defence officials said the company’s entry into deep-tech innovation will strengthen its existing defence manufacturing capabilities while opening new opportunities in civilian, industrial, and dual-use technologies.

The Nagpur facility is envisioned as India’s first AI-powered Industry 5.0 manufacturing ecosystem, combining advanced robotics, intelligent automation, and human-centered, sustainable production practices. Initial focus areas will include AI-powered UAVs, including Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones, along with electronic components and assemblies for strategic defence and commercial applications.

Image Source: ANI