RRP Defence (RRP Group), through its entity Vimananu, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Franco-American firm CYGR to establish an advanced drone manufacturing facility in India.
The project, based in Navi Mumbai, aims to support India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative by developing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for defence, surveillance, and industrial applications.
The collaboration will manufacture three categories of drones: hand-launched fixed-wing drones for field operations, compact nano drones for close-range use, and ISR drones tailored for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
Production is expected to start with hundreds of units annually, with an initial contract valued at over $20 million.
Rajendra Chodankar, chairman of RRP Defence, said, “This collaboration is a defining moment for India’s UAV ecosystem. By combining our local manufacturing strength and field understanding with CYGR’s world-class drone technologies, we’re building systems that meet India’s unique operational needs.”
The facility will also contribute to high-skill employment and export-focused manufacturing, further positioning India as a key player in the global UAV supply chain.
The initiative strengthens India’s self-reliance in aerospace and defence technology. Zaynah, the global advisor in Make in India global exports in defence for the collaboration, confirmed that an immediate Letter of Intent (LoI) is being released as part of the $20 million contract for global defence exports.
George El Aily, director of CYGR France, added, “India is a key strategic partner for us. Through this collaboration with RRP Defence Ltd, we are not only transferring technology but also co-developing future-ready solutions that support India’s defence and surveillance landscape.”
The project will focus on sectors including defence, homeland security, and industrial monitoring. The companies aim to deliver solutions customised for India’s operational environments while expanding global market access through technology localisation.
This joint venture marks a step forward in India’s ambition to become a global drone hub through international cooperation and indigenous expertise.
