Archive · 25 Sep 2026
Indian Defence Startups Showcase Solar UAVs, Secure Mesh Networks
An Indian trade show displayed two technologies designed for difficult military missions.
One is a solar-powered aircraft called Tejasvaan.
It can stay in the sky for up to 12 hours and carry cameras.
The aircraft can watch areas, help find people, and pass along communications.
The second technology is a secure network made by IDR Research and Development.
It allows radios, aircraft, ground vehicles, and sensors to send encrypted messages to one another.
The network can find new routes when one connection stops working.
Together, the aircraft and network could help forces communicate and observe areas where normal infrastructure is unavailable.
Maraal Aerospace displayed Tejasvaan, a solar-powered fixed-wing UAV designed for long-duration surveillance and communications.
Tejasvaan has a 12-metre wingspan, weighs under 60 kilograms at maximum take-off, and can remain airborne for up to 12 hours.
The UAV can carry a 5-kilogram payload, fly up to 250 kilometres, and operate from a 200-metre runway.
IDR Research and Development demonstrated an encrypted mesh network linking radios, UAVs, UGVs, and sensor swarms.
The two systems can work together, with Tejasvaan serving as a mobile communication relay in contested or infrastructure-denied areas.
- Who
- Maraal Aerospace and IDR Research and Development, two Indian defence innovators, displayed the technologies.
- What
- They showcased the Tejasvaan solar UAV and an encrypted tactical mesh communication network.
- When
- The Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show began on Friday.
- Where
- At the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show in Uttar Pradesh; IDR's startup is based in Greater Noida.
- Why
- The technologies are intended to support persistent surveillance, communication, target acquisition, search-and-rescue, maritime awareness, and operations where infrastructure or direct communication links are unavailable.
- UAV name
- Tejasvaan Ultra Long Endurance Solar UAV
- UAV endurance
- Up to 12 hours
- UAV range
- 150 kilometres, extendable to 250 kilometres
- UAV payload
- Up to 5 kilograms, including day/night and thermal cameras
- Mesh security
- Encrypted communications using AES encryption
- Mesh capabilities
- Automatic route recovery and self-healing, any-to-any connectivity
- Operating services
- Designed for the Army, Navy, and Air Force