In a groundbreaking collaboration, EndureAir Systems has emerged as the sole private entity partnering with five DPSUs to establish a state-of-the-art Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) testing facility at IIT Kanpur. This Rs. 60 crore project, part of the Defense Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS), aims to create the largest dedicated UAS testing center in India.

The Ministry of Defense (MoD) has formalized this partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop advanced testing facilities within the Uttar Pradesh Defense Industrial Corridor (UPDIC).

The five DPSUs (Defense Public Service Undertaking) involved are Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Gliders India Limited (GIL), Yantra India Limited (YIL), and Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEM).

The establishment of these state-of-the-art testing facilities will drive technological advancements and provide essential infrastructure for testing and refining specialized defense technologies, especially Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).

DTIS: Boosting Indigenous Defense Production

Launched by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh in May 2020 with an allocation of Rs 400 crore ($50M), the Defense Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS) aims to establish state-of-the-art testing facilities in collaboration with private industry and central/State Governments.

The scheme promotes indigenous defense production, reduces military equipment imports, and enhances self-reliance.

Seven testing facilities have been approved to support the defense and aerospace sectors within the Defense Industrial Corridors—four in Tamil Nadu and three in Uttar Pradesh.

DTIS provides up to 75% of government funding as ‘Grant-in-Aid,’ with the remaining 25% covered by Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) consisting of Indian private entities and State/Central Governments. For implementation agencies, the share cannot exceed 40%.

IIT Kanpur’s Ambitious UAS Testing Hub

The DTIS scheme is designed to cover a range of testing systems and equipment. The scheme includes provisions for testing materials, communication devices, and especially UAS at IIT Kanpur.

Two DTIS testing setups, especially for UAS, are being established: one in the south at Chennai under the Tamil Nadu Defense Industrial Corridor and another in the north at IIT Kanpur under the Uttar Pradesh Defense Corridor.

These testing centers will be managed by Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) formed by at least five stakeholders. Operating as not-for-profit organizations, these SPVs will serve as a one-stop shop for UAV-related matters.

“According to the Detailed Project Report (DPR), the total cost of the project is estimated at Rs. 60 crores. Stakeholder companies will contribute Rs. 15 crores (25%), while the remaining 75% will be funded by the government”, as stated by Prof. Abhishek, Co-founder of EndureAir and Professor at IIT Kanpur.

The facility will feature a comprehensive array of specialized test setups, including systems for electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing, soft vibration and harshness testing, humidity and temperature chambers, battery, propeller, and motor testing. It will be accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), ensuring global recognition and setting industry standards.

IIT Kanpur will host the facility, providing infrastructure and space. It boasts a 1 km long runway, the only such facility within an academic institute in the country. Since UAV testing requires both indoor and outdoor environments, all testing will occur at the flight laboratory within IIT Kanpur, ensuring easy access for all users.

EndureAir Systems: Driving UAS Innovation

EndureAir Systems, an unmanned aviation technology company founded in 2019 at IIT Kanpur, focuses on providing advanced drone technology.

Co-founder of EndureAir, Prof. Abhishek, noted that “EndureAir is working on larger-scale UAVs, including those weighing over 150 kg. These UAVs will require a highly systematic testing setup to achieve certification from the Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC), making them suitable for both Indian and global markets”.

EndureAir specializes in designing, developing, and manufacturing drones. The company has secured orders from the Indian Army and supplied UAVs to various stakeholders within the defense sector. Prof. Abhishek claims that EndureAir’s technology is unique, as it specializes in helicopter-based UAV solutions, making it the only UAV company of its kind in this field.

Speaking about involvement in the DTIS scheme, Prof. Abhishek mentioned that those who believed in it stepped forward to make it a reality. He noted that when private companies invest, they typically expect a return on their investment. IIT-Kanpur approached several private companies, and while there was initial interest, most withdrew upon learning that it would be a non-profit organization. Ultimately, the Defense PSUs came forward.

Addressing Industry Challenges 

The new facility aims to address the current lack of specialized UAV testing infrastructure in India. UAV companies often rely on facilities designed for automotive or electronics industries, incurring significant costs.

“EndureAir’s key role will be to provide technical mentorship. As the only UAV manufacturer with extensive UAV expertise, we understand what is truly applicable to UAVs. We are both a technical partner and have a vested interest in this facility, which will enable us to test our UAVs. With a relatively small investment, we gain access to state-of-the-art facilities that will support the certification of our high-end drones,” said Prof. Abhishek.

Wings Of Change

According to Prof. Abhishek, while stakeholders have provided their 25% funding, the project awaits the government’s 75% grant. Once received, the setup will proceed immediately, including equipment procurement. IIT Kanpur has already allocated the facility space, and other preparatory work is underway.

EndureAir and other DPSUs have allocated manpower. Currently, the facility lacks financial resources, but dedicated staff will be in place at IIT Kanpur once operations commence.

Parts of the facility are expected to be operational by the end of this year, with the entire facility anticipated to be fully operational by next year.

This initiative is set to significantly boost the UAS industry and support the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative. As demand grows, the government plans to establish multiple such centers across the country, further enhancing India’s capabilities in defense technology and testing.

• Shubhangi Palve is a defense and aerospace journalist. Before joining the EurAsian Times, she worked for E.T. Prime. In this capacity, she focused on covering defense strategies and the defense sector from a financial perspective. She offers over 15 years of extensive experience in the media industry, spanning print, electronic, and online domains.
• Contact the author at shubhapalve (at) gmail (dot) com.