SOURCE: AFI
In a significant boost to India’s indigenous defense technology sector, Bengaluru-based NextLeap Aeronautics Pvt Ltd and Dheya Technologies and Aerospace have announced a strategic partnership to design and develop advanced turbojet-powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for military and civilian applications. This collaboration, unveiled in April 2025, aligns with the Indian government’s “Make in India” initiative and aims to reduce the country’s reliance on imported UAV systems while enhancing its capabilities in modern warfare and surveillance.
NextLeap Aeronautics, founded in 2019, is a privately funded enterprise specializing in sustainable air transportation and advanced defense technologies. The company has gained recognition for its innovative work in developing high-performance UAVs, including multirotor, fixed-wing, and hybrid Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) platforms. Dheya Technologies and Aerospace, a key player in aerospace engineering, brings expertise in system integration, propulsion technologies, and high-performance engineering solutions to the partnership. Together, the two firms aim to create cutting-edge turbojet UAVs tailored to meet the evolving needs of the Indian armed forces and civilian sectors.
The partnership was highlighted at the Hexagon User Conference 2023, where NextLeap’s team secured the second runner-up prize in the multi-physics and AI track, showcasing their technical prowess. This collaboration with Dheya is expected to leverage NextLeap’s experience in UAV testing and validation alongside Dheya’s advanced engineering capabilities to produce turbojet UAVs with superior speed, range, and payload capacities.
Turbojet-powered UAVs represent a leap forward in unmanned systems technology, offering higher speeds and greater operational flexibility compared to traditional propeller-driven drones. These UAVs are designed for a range of applications, including Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), precision strikes, and suppression of enemy air defenses. Their ability to operate at higher altitudes and speeds makes them ideal for both military operations and civilian tasks such as disaster management, telecommunications, and environmental monitoring.
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