To boost its own drone manufacturing capabilities, 515 ABW has signed an MoU with Nautical Wings Aerospace, a Bengaluru-based startup specializing in advanced electric propulsion systems, vertical lift solutions, BLDC motors and composite structures for UAVs. | Photo credit: Getty Images
The 515 Army Base Workshop (515 ABW) has signed several strategic MoUs to boost domestic drone production.
Bengaluru-based 515 ABW, which is one of the eight Army Base Workshops of the Indian Army, signed the MoU on behalf of the Integrated Command of the Ministry of Defense (Army), Directorate General of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (DG EME) and HQ Base Workshop Group.
Building on earlier successful collaborations with leading institutions and startups, these new strategic partnerships represent an important step towards modernization and Atmanirbhar Bharat in the field of unmanned systems, the Ministry of Defense said.
To boost its own drone manufacturing capabilities, 515 ABW has signed an MoU with Nautical Wings Aerospace, a Bengaluru-based startup specializing in advanced electric propulsion systems, vertical lift solutions, BLDC motors and composite structures for UAVs.
Under this framework, Nautical Wings will provide technical expertise and hold 515 ABW technicians in integrated propulsion systems, BLDC motor integration, propeller optimization and composite manufacturing techniques as required.
Additionally, 515 ABW has signed an MoU with Yaanendriya Private Limited, a deep technology startup incubated at ARTPARK, IISc Bengaluru. This collaboration focuses on enhancing capabilities in Flight Control Systems (FCS), Ground Control Stations (GCS), Electronic Speed Controllers (ESC) and GNSS-based navigation systems to reduce reliance on foreign technology in autonomous platforms.
To ensure the security and resilience of these emerging technologies, a third MoU has been signed with the National Forensic Science University (NFSU), Gandhinagar.
“This partnership creates a structured framework for technical cooperation in drone forensics, cyber and hardware security assessments and vulnerability analysis. NFSU will contribute its expertise to the development of robust analytical frameworks needed to address evolving threats related to adversarial drone use, cyber compromise and hardware security risks,” the ministry said.
She added that these MoUs together strengthen the commitment to support national security through the development of own capabilities and civil-military integration.
“By supporting industrial ownership and inter-agency collaboration, these initiatives will enable 515 ABW to act as a major technical incubator for innovation projects. Ultimately, this will support the operational readiness of the Indian Army, keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies and align with the Government of India’s vision to enhance technological self-sufficiency and enhance defense innovation.”
Published – 25 March 2026 23:37 IST
