RRP Defence Partners with CYGR for New Drone Plant in India

Indian defense tech company RRP Defence has opened a strategic alliance with French aerospace company CYGR to start a cutting-edge drone manufacturing facility in Navi Mumbai. The business will require an initial investment of USD 50 million (about ₹430 crore), with future plans to expand it to USD 100 million.

The joint venture will provide sophisticated drone systems customized for tactical, surveillance, and industrial purposes. By combining CYGR's Franco-American drone technology with the local manufacturing capabilities of RRP Defence, the combined venture will concentrate on developing customized systems suited for the operating conditions of India.

In a joint statement, RRP Defence said the facility will make a series of next-generation drones that include nano drones, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance) drones, and hand-launched fixed-wing drones. The systems will be designed mainly for defence, homeland security, and industrial applications.

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RRP Defence Chairman Rajendra Chodankar ensured the importance of the project with, "By merging our domestic manufacturing capacity and complete sector knowledge with CYGR's cutting-edge drone technology, we are developing systems that are customized to India's specific operational requirements." The centre will make a sizeable contribution to generation of high-skill employment and building India's aerospace export capability.

CYGR France Director George El Aily further said, "By becoming partners with RRP Defence, we are not just licensing technology but also co-creating solutions of the future to enhance India's defence and surveillance landscape."

The deal is a sign of increased global cooperation with India to aid its local defence production capabilities and is as per the government's vision of an autonomous defence industry.