- SURAJ is explicitly designed for surveillance operations and provides real-time information, both to the high command and on-ground jawans
- The drone company, which recently raised funding worth $22 million, aims to bring SURAJ into the market by August
At the ongoing Aero India 2023 show in Bengaluru, Garuda Aerospace unveiled a solar-powered unmanned intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aerial J-Glider named SURAJ. The principal scientific advisor to the Defence Minister and former Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Satheesh Reddy launched the glider at the event.
With 12 hours of endurance, this SR high-altitude drone is designed specifically for surveillance operations and provides real-time information to the high command and jawans on the ground, claimed the drone company. It added that the drone’s unique J-shaped wings are equipped with solar-powered cells that serve as its primary fuel source, while an auxiliary battery provides additional propulsion or decreased speed as required.
Equipped with AI/ML
The founder and CEO of Garuda, Agnishwar Jayaprakash remarked, “Garuda Aerospace’s SURAJ drone, will help in providing military and security support with edge-cutting solutions like real-time monitoring. Garuda Aerospace is also being guided by NAL, DRDO and several other scientists on the development of the SURAJ drone.”
Jayaprakash noted that SURAJ will be equipped with artificial intelligence, machine learning and a bionic chip for advanced real-time processing.
As per the company, this drone will carry a payload of high-resolution zoom cameras with thermal imagery and foliage-penetrating lidar sensors with a maximum capacity of 10 kg. It can fly at an altitude of 3,000 ft.
Garuda Soaring High
Garuda recently secured Series A funding of $22 million and aims to utilize the money to grow its tech edge. The fund round was led by Venture Capital firm SphitiCap, which invested $12 million in the company. Around a month ago, Garuda signed an MoU with Rallis to use drones to spray pesticides on fields.
On February 13, PM Modi inaugurated the five-day Aero India 2023 on the theme ‘The Runway to a Billion Opportunities’ at the India Air Force station at Yelahanka, in Bengaluru. The event demonstrates our country’s growth in aerospace and defence capabilities.
Chennai-based Garuda Aerospace was founded in 2015 and boasts a fleet of 400 drones and over 500 pilots in 26 locations across the country. At its core, Garuda recognises itself as a ‘Drone-As-A-Software’ aggregator that designs impeccable drones for various human and industrial needs.
