The collaboration connects research, design and field expertise to develop Indian-built UAV and navigation systems for future Air Force applications.
ndian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, Zuppa Geo Navigation Technologies, and the Indian Air Force’s 8 Base Repair Depot (8 BRD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on research and development in defence technology.
The agreement focuses on creating indigenous systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and navigation technologies. The project aims to develop solutions that can improve the performance, reliability, and autonomy of defence aviation systems.
IIT Madras will provide research and testing facilities for technology development. Zuppa will work on system design and integration, based on its experience with UAV and flight control technologies. The 8 BRD will contribute operational knowledge from its work in maintaining and upgrading aircraft systems, helping align research with field requirements.
The collaboration seeks to build systems that can be adapted to the Air Force’s evolving operational needs. It also aims to support ongoing efforts to strengthen domestic capabilities in critical defence technologies.
The project will focus on applied research, where the developed systems can be tested and evaluated for potential use in defence operations. This approach is intended to shorten the gap between research outcomes and practical deployment.
Zuppa is an India-based company working on autonomous aerial and navigation systems. The partnership with IIT Madras and the Indian Air Force is expected to create a framework for developing and testing defence-related technologies through joint R&D.
