Asteria Aerospace has successfully delivered its largest-ever contract involving the AT-15 Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) drones to the Indian Army, marking a significant achievement for the company. This delivery aligns with Asteria’s commitment to the concept of Atmanirbhar Bharat, which emphasizes self-reliance and the provision of advanced technological solutions to meet the complex needs of both defense and homeland security sectors.
Neel Mehta, Director and Co-founder of Asteria Aerospace, highlighted the importance of this milestone. “This delivery of Asteria’s indigenously developed AT-15 surveillance drones to the Indian Ministry of Defence demonstrates our unwavering support to meet the evolving needs of our defence forces,” he stated. Mehta further emphasized that the man-portable drones feature a variety of advanced capabilities, such as exceptional flight performance in high-altitude conditions, integrated high-resolution cameras for day and night operations, and systems that support precision artillery targeting. He expressed confidence that these drones will significantly enhance the Indian Army’s surveillance capabilities.
The AT-15 drone is distinguished by its unique blended wing design, which enhances its aerodynamic efficiency and allows it to withstand high winds. It can operate at altitudes of up to 6000 meters above mean sea level. The vertical takeoff and landing capability of the AT-15 enables it to be deployed and recovered in confined spaces, making it highly versatile for operational use. Additionally, the drone boasts an impressive flight time of up to 120 minutes and a range of 20 kilometers, making it ideal for extensive surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
Equipped with an integrated Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO-IR) payload, the AT-15 has high zoom capabilities that facilitate critical aerial intelligence gathering from considerable distances during both day and night. The drone is crafted entirely from composite materials, ensuring it is lightweight and highly portable.
Asteria Aerospace operates a cutting-edge 28,000 square-foot design and production facility located in Bengaluru, complete with a Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR)-recognized research and development lab. This facility is focused on creating innovative, future-ready products that meet the highest quality and compliance standards. Additionally, the company has established a strategic presence in Gurugram to effectively serve its diverse clientele, which includes various government and defense agencies. This latest achievement reinforces Asteria Aerospace’s position as a leader in drone technology within India’s defense ecosystem.
