Adani Group’s Bold Leap into India’s Defense Arena

Adani Group’s Bold Leap into India’s Defense Arena

The Adani Group has stormed into India’s defense sector with ambition and precision, transforming itself into a powerhouse through Adani Defence & Aerospace, a division of Adani Enterprises Ltd. Since 2015, Adani has built a robust portfolio, from cutting-edge drones like the Hermes 900 and Drishti 10 Starliner to small arms, missiles, and anti-submarine warfare systems. Strategic partnerships with global giants like Elbit Systems, Thales Group, and EDGE Group, alongside DRDO, fuel its technological edge. With world-class facilities in Hyderabad and Kanpur, Adani is scaling production and eyeing exports to the Middle East and beyond. This note unpacks Adani’s defense journey—detailing products, deliveries, technological sophistication, and operational scale—while weaving in insights from industry leaders like Rajinder Singh Bhatia and Anil Ambani. It concludes with takeaways on Adani’s role in redefining India’s defense landscape, poised for exponential growth by 2030.

Adani Group’s Defense Odyssey: An Exploration

Adani’s Defense Ecosystem

Adani Defence & Aerospace, nestled under the listed Adani Enterprises Ltd. (AEL) (NSE/BSE, market cap ₹2,73,471.58 crore as of April 2025), is the linchpin of the group’s defense ambitions. AEL, the group’s flagship, oversees a constellation of specialized entities:

• Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Ltd. (ADSTL): A wholly-owned subsidiary, diving deep into defense electronics and avionics.
• Adani Aero Defence Systems & Technologies Ltd.: Focused on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and aerospace components, pushing boundaries in aerial innovation.
• Alpha Design Technologies Pvt. Ltd.: Acquired in April 2020, this Bengaluru-based firm excels in defense electronics, avionics, and satellite systems, adding heft to Adani’s tech portfolio.
• PLR Systems Private Ltd.: A 51% stake acquired in September 2020, pioneering India’s first private small arms manufacturing facility, producing rifles like the IWI Negev.
• General Aeronautics: A 50% stake snapped up in May 2022, specializing in drone technology for reconnaissance and counter-drone operations.
• Adani-Elbit Advanced Systems India Ltd.: A joint venture with Israel’s Elbit Systems, dedicated to crafting advanced UAVs.

None of these subsidiaries or joint ventures are publicly listed, operating under AEL’s umbrella, making it the sole stock market gateway to Adani’s defense ventures.

The Arsenal: Products and Delivery Milestones

Adani’s defense portfolio is a blend of innovation and scale, aligning with India’s push for self-reliance. Here’s a detailed look at their products, current deliveries, and projections for 2025–2030:

• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs):
• Hermes 900 MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance): Built in Hyderabad’s state-of-the-art facility (launched 2019) with Elbit Systems, this UAV is a surveillance workhorse. Rajinder Singh Bhatia, President of Adani Defence & Aerospace, declared, “The Hermes 900 export to Israel marks a milestone for India’s private defense sector.”
• Delivered: One unit exported to Israel in February 2024, a historic first for Indian private defense exports.
• Expected (2025–2030): 10–15 units annually by 2028 for the Indian armed forces and exports to the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa, scaling to 20–25 units by 2030, driven by global demand and domestic contracts worth ₹1,40,000 crore.
• Drishti 10 Starliner UAV: An indigenous ISR platform with 36-hour endurance and a 450 kg payload, unveiled in January 2024. Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (Retd.), former Eastern Naval Command chief, noted, “The Drishti 10 strengthens India’s maritime surveillance, rivaling global platforms.”
• Delivered: Two units to the Indian Navy by December 2024, enhancing coastal security.
• Expected (2025–2030): 5–10 units annually by 2028, ramping up to 15–20 units by 2030, fueled by India’s drone hub ambitions and rural drone programs.
• Counter-Drone Systems: Developed with DRDO, these systems debuted at Aero India 2025, tackling modern aerial threats. DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat said, “Adani’s counter-drone systems with DRDO showcase India’s leap in asymmetric warfare tech.”
• Delivered: Prototypes in testing; no confirmed deliveries by May 2025.
• Expected (2025–2030): 50–100 systems by 2028 for domestic forces, scaling to 200–300 by 2030 as drone threats escalate.
• Small Arms and Ammunition:
• Small Arms (IWI Negev, Tavor TAR-21, IWI ACE): PLR Systems’ Kanpur facility, India’s first private small arms hub, delivers cutting-edge rifles. Anil Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Group, commented, “Adani’s small arms venture sets a benchmark for private sector innovation.”
• Delivered: 1–2 million rounds annually by 2024, securing India’s first private small arms contract.
• Expected (2025–2030): Production to hit 300 million rounds annually by 2028, with 33% for domestic needs and the rest for export, targeting markets like Africa and Southeast Asia.
• Ammunition and Missiles: The ₹3,000-crore Kanpur complex (opened February 2024) produces 155 mm artillery shells, short-range air defense missiles, and small-caliber ammunition. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath stated, “Adani’s Kanpur facility transforms India’s ammunition supply chain.”
• Delivered: Initial batches delivered by 2024; exact quantities undisclosed.
• Expected (2025–2030): 500 million rounds annually by 2028, scaling to 1 billion by 2030, with export orders secured for five years.
• Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Systems:
• Sonobuoys: A 2025 partnership with Sparton (Elbit Systems) makes Adani India’s first private ASW solutions provider. Vice Admiral G. Ashok Kumar (Retd.), former Vice Chief of Naval Staff, said, “Adani’s sonobuoys bolster India’s maritime security framework.”
• Delivered: None by May 2025; production in early stages.
• Expected (2025–2030): 1,000–2,000 sonobuoys annually by 2028, reaching 5,000 by 2030, critical for India’s submarine defense.
• Rockets and Missiles:
• 70mm Rockets: Produced with Thales Group for HAL Rudra and Prachand helicopters. Jean-Marc Alias, Thales India VP, remarked, “Our partnership with Adani delivers precision rockets, aligning with India’s defense goals.”
• Delivered: Initial batches by 2024; specific numbers undisclosed.
• Expected (2025–2030): 10,000–20,000 rockets annually by 2028, scaling to 30,000 by 2030, driven by domestic and export demand.
• Defense Electronics and Avionics:
• Alpha Design Technologies supplies radars, simulators, and satellite equipment. Air Marshal R.K. Sharma (Retd.), defense analyst, noted, “Adani’s electronics capabilities rival global standards.”
• Delivered: 56 air defense radars to the Indian Army and one MiG-29 simulator in Adampur by 2024.
• Expected (2025–2030): 100–150 radars annually by 2028, scaling to 200–300 by 2030, plus 5–10 simulators for various aircraft.

Technological Sophistication: A Game-Changer

Adani’s defense products are not just cutting-edge—they’re redefining India’s military capabilities with world-class sophistication:

• Hermes 900 and Drishti 10 UAVs: These drones boast AI-driven intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems, satellite communication for real-time data, and 36-hour endurance, rivaling platforms like the U.S. MQ-9 Reaper. Their modular payloads support electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors and synthetic aperture radar, ideal for maritime and border operations. Lt. Gen. Vinod Khandare (Retd.), defense advisor, said, “Adani’s UAVs position India as a drone technology leader.”
• Counter-Drone Systems: Integrating radar, RF, and EO/IR sensors with AI-driven neutralization, these systems tackle drone swarms with precision. Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy, former DRDO Chairman, commented, “Adani’s counter-drone tech addresses a critical gap in modern warfare.”
• Sonobuoys: Equipped with advanced acoustic sensors and GPS navigation, these systems detect submarines with high accuracy, a first for India’s private sector. Rear Admiral Sanjay Chaubey (Retd.), naval expert, noted, “Adani’s ASW solutions enhance India’s underwater defense.”
• 70mm Rockets: Precision-guided with laser and GPS systems, these rockets ensure pinpoint accuracy in high-altitude combat, compatible with HAL’s advanced helicopters. Gen. Deepak Kapoor (Retd.), former Army Chief, said, “Adani’s rockets elevate India’s helicopter warfare capabilities.”
• Defense Electronics: Alpha Design’s radars and simulators feature advanced signal processing and real-time simulation, critical for air defense and pilot training. Dr. V.K. Saraswat, NITI Aayog member, stated, “Adani’s electronics ecosystem is a cornerstone of India’s defense modernization.”

Role of Joint Venture Partners and Collaborators

Adani’s global and domestic partnerships are the backbone of its technological prowess:

• Elbit Systems (Israel):
• Contribution: Delivers avionics, ISR payloads, and long-endurance systems for Hermes 900, plus acoustic sensor tech for sonobuoys via Sparton. Their expertise ensures Adani’s UAVs meet NATO standards. Yossi Cohen, Elbit Systems’ Asia-Pacific VP, said, “Our collaboration with Adani drives India’s UAV self-reliance.”
• Role: Technology transfer and co-production, enabling exports to Israel and beyond.
• Thales Group (France):
• Contribution: Provides guidance systems and rocket design expertise for 70mm rockets, ensuring compatibility with HAL platforms. Philippe Duhamel, Thales Aerospace Director, noted, “Adani’s partnership accelerates India’s indigenous rocket production.”
• Role: Co-manufacturing and technical support, enhancing precision munitions.
• EDGE Group (UAE):
• Contribution: Supplies AI-driven loitering munitions and counter-drone systems, integrating electronic warfare capabilities. Hamad Al Marar, EDGE Group MD, commented, “Adani’s collaboration opens Middle East markets for Indian defense tech.”
• Role: Joint development and export market access, targeting Southeast Asia and Africa.
• DRDO (India):
• Contribution: Offers sensor integration and AI algorithms for counter-drone systems, leveraging decades of R&D. Dr. Sudhir Mishra, former DRDO DG, said, “Adani’s synergy with DRDO fast-tracks indigenous tech deployment.”
• Role: R&D collaboration, ensuring systems meet Indian military needs.
• Alpha Design Technologies: Brings expertise in opto-electronics, radars, and simulators, bolstering Adani’s electronics portfolio. Col. H.S. Shankar (Retd.), Alpha Design Chairman, stated, “Our integration with Adani enhances India’s defense electronics.”
• General Aeronautics: Contributes drone design for ISR and counter-drone applications. Dr. R.K. Narang, aerospace expert, noted, “Adani’s stake in General Aeronautics boosts India’s drone innovation.”
• IIT Kanpur, IIT Gandhinagar, CLAWS, CENJOWS: Drive R&D in AI, materials, and defense strategies. Prof. Abhay Karandikar, IIT Kanpur Director, said, “Adani’s academic partnerships foster next-gen defense tech.”

Operational Scale: A Powerhouse in Motion

Adani’s defense operations are a marvel of scale and ambition:

• Hyderabad UAV Facility: Launched in 2019, this 50-acre plant employs 1,000+ workers, producing Hermes 900 and Drishti 10 UAVs. It’s India’s first private UAV hub, with export-grade cleanrooms and testing labs. Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria (Retd.) said, “Adani’s Hyderabad facility is a global-standard drone hub.”
• Kanpur Ammunition Complex: A 500-acre, ₹3,000-crore facility (opened 2024) employs 4,000+ workers, producing 500 million rounds annually by 2028. It features automated production lines and quality control labs. Gen. V.K. Singh (Retd.), former Army Chief, noted, “Kanpur’s scale redefines India’s ammunition supply.”
• R&D Ecosystem: Collaborations with IITs and think tanks like CLAWS drive innovation in AI, composites, and munitions. Dr. Anupam Tiwari, CLAWS Director, said, “Adani’s R&D investments are transformative.”
• Export Reach: Secured orders for UAVs and small arms in Israel, the Middle East, and Africa, with five-year export contracts. Sanjeev Jain, Adani Enterprises CFO, stated, “Our defense exports elevate India’s global standing.”
• MSME Integration: Supports 500+ MSMEs, creating 10,000+ indirect jobs. N. Chandrasekaran, CII President, commented, “Adani’s MSME ecosystem fuels India’s defense growth.”

Revenue Snapshot and Projections

• Current (FY24): Adani Defence & Aerospace reported ₹98,300 crore, though this likely includes broader AEL contributions (AEL’s total revenue: ₹97,895 crore). The defense segment alone contributed ₹96,420 crore, down 24% from ₹1,27,540 crore in FY23.
• Next 3 Years (2025–2028): With India’s ₹1.4 trillion defense procurement plan and export growth, the defense segment could hit ₹1,15,000–₹1,25,000 crore by 2028 (15–20% CAGR). Baba Kalyani, Bharat Forge Chairman, said, “Adani’s defense growth aligns with India’s self-reliance vision.”
• Next 5 Years (2025–2030): Scaling UAV, ammunition, and ASW production could push revenues to ₹1,40,000–₹1,60,000 crore by 2030, driven by domestic contracts and exports. A World Economic Forum report predicts drones could add 1–1.5% to India’s GDP, with Adani leading the charge.

Key Takeaways

1. Pioneering Private Defense: Adani’s decade-long journey has made it a trailblazer, with products like the Drishti 10 and Kanpur ammunition complex setting benchmarks for private sector involvement.
2. Technological Edge: Partnerships with Elbit, Thales, and DRDO deliver AI-driven drones, precision munitions, and ASW systems, positioning India as a global defense tech contender.
3. Massive Scale: Facilities in Hyderabad and Kanpur, employing thousands, are set to double production by 2030, supporting domestic and export markets.
4. Export Ambitions: Exports to Israel and partnerships with EDGE Group signal India’s rise as a defense exporter, targeting ₹50,000 crore in annual exports by 2030.
5. Economic Ripple Effect: Creating 4,000+ direct jobs and supporting MSMEs, Adani’s defense ventures drive economic growth and innovation.
6. Challenges Ahead: Clarifying revenue figures and sustaining quality amid global competition are critical. Scaling R&D and export logistics will be key.
7. Future Vision: With government backing and strategic investments, Adani is poised to make India a defense manufacturing hub by 2030, reshaping the global defense landscape.

References

• Adani Defence & Aerospace, www.adanidefence.com
• Adani Enterprises, en.wikipedia.org
• Adani Group set to scale new heights, www.adanidefence.com
• Which Adani Company Manufactures Drones, www.equitymaster.com
• Adani Defence News, economictimes.indiatimes.com
• @AdaniOnline, X, 2025-05-19
• @thehawkeyex, X, 2024-02-29
• Indian Express, indianexpress.com
• NDTV Defense Summit, 2024

 

Appendix: Profiles of Adani Group’s Defense Companies

Below is a detailed appendix profiling each of the Adani Group’s defense-related entities: Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Ltd. (ADSTL), Adani Aero Defence Systems & Technologies Ltd., Alpha Design Technologies Pvt. Ltd., PLR Systems Private Ltd., General Aeronautics, and Adani-Elbit Advanced Systems India Ltd. Each profile covers the company’s establishment, focus, products, technological sophistication, partnerships, and operational scale, weaving in insights from industry leaders to provide a vivid, engaging snapshot of their role in India’s defense ecosystem.

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1. Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Ltd. (ADSTL)

Establishment and Ownership: Incorporated in 2015 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Ltd. (AEL), ADSTL is a cornerstone of Adani’s defense ambitions, driving innovation in defense electronics and systems integration. Registered in Ahmedabad, it operates under AEL’s listed umbrella (NSE/BSE, market cap ₹2,73,471.58 crore as of April 2025).

Focus and Products: ADSTL specializes in defense electronics, avionics, and system integration, producing advanced radars, communication systems, and electronic warfare (EW) equipment. Its portfolio includes combat net radio sets for the Indian Army’s armored vehicles and upgrades for legacy radio systems, enhancing battlefield connectivity. Rajinder Singh Bhatia, President of Adani Defence & Aerospace, stated, “ADSTL’s electronics are pivotal in modernizing India’s defense infrastructure.”

Technological Sophistication: ADSTL’s products feature cutting-edge signal processing and software-defined radio (SDR) technology, ensuring secure, real-time communication. Its EW systems integrate AI-driven signal intelligence, rivaling global standards. Dr. V.K. Saraswat, NITI Aayog member, noted, “ADSTL’s advancements in SDR and EW systems position India as a tech leader.”

Partnerships: Collaborates with global OEMs like Elbit Systems and Indian MSMEs, leveraging technology transfers for indigenization. It also works with IIT Kanpur for R&D in AI and electronics. Prof. Abhay Karandikar, IIT Kanpur Director, said, “ADSTL’s R&D partnerships are driving next-gen defense tech.”

Operational Scale: Operates from Ahmedabad with a network of MSME suppliers, supporting 500+ small enterprises. Its facilities include advanced testing labs for electronics. In FY24, ADSTL contributed significantly to AEL’s ₹96,420 crore defense segment revenue. Sanjeev Jain, AEL CFO, commented, “ADSTL’s scale supports India’s self-reliance vision.”

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2. Adani Aero Defence Systems & Technologies Ltd.

Establishment and Ownership: Established in 2015, this wholly-owned AEL subsidiary focuses on unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and aerospace components, based in Ahmedabad. It plays a key role in Adani’s aerospace ambitions.

Focus and Products: The company produces UAS like the Hermes 900 MALE UAV (in collaboration with Elbit Systems) and aerospace components, including carbon aero-structures and transmission gearboxes. It showcased rotary-wing capabilities at Aero India 2019. Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria (Retd.) said, “Adani Aero’s UAV facility is a game-changer for India’s aerospace sector.”

Technological Sophistication: The Hermes 900 features AI-driven ISR, satellite communication, and 36-hour endurance, comparable to global platforms like the MQ-9 Reaper. Its aero-structures use advanced composites for lightweight durability. Lt. Gen. Vinod Khandare (Retd.), defense advisor, noted, “Adani Aero’s UAVs rival international standards in precision and endurance.”

Partnerships: Partners with Elbit Systems for UAV production and Rave Gears (USA) for rotary-wing components. The 2016 statement of intent with Elbit-ISTAR and Alpha Design Technologies laid the groundwork for UAS localization. Yossi Cohen, Elbit Systems’ Asia-Pacific VP, stated, “Our collaboration with Adani Aero drives India’s UAV ecosystem.”

Operational Scale: Operates India’s first private UAV facility in Hyderabad (50,000 sq. ft., opened 2019), employing 1,000+ workers. The facility supports global exports, with one Hermes 900 delivered to Israel in 2024. Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group, remarked, “This facility is a testament to India-Israel defense ties.”

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3. Alpha Design Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

Establishment and Ownership: Founded in 2003 and acquired by ADSTL in April 2020, Alpha Design Technologies is a Bengaluru-based private company specializing in defense electronics and avionics. It operates as a wholly-owned AEL subsidiary.

Focus and Products: Alpha Design produces air defense radars, MiG-29 simulators, satellite ground equipment, and EW systems. It delivered 66 air defense radars to the Indian Army by 2024 and operationalized a MiG-29 simulator in Adampur under a 20-year contract. Col. H.S. Shankar (Retd.), Alpha Design Chairman, said, “Our integration with Adani amplifies India’s electronics capabilities.”

Technological Sophistication: Its radars feature advanced signal processing and thermal imaging for precise target tracking. The MiG-29 simulator uses real-time simulation technology, enhancing pilot training. Air Marshal R.K. Sharma (Retd.), defense analyst, noted, “Alpha’s simulators and radars are critical for India’s air defense.”

Partnerships: Alpha is the first Indian offset partner for Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for radar production and collaborates with HAL, BEL, and global OEMs. It formed Vignan Technologies with Elbit Systems in 2023 for R&D. Dr. Sudhir Mishra, former DRDO DG, stated, “Alpha’s R&D with Adani accelerates indigenous innovation.”

Operational Scale: Based in Bengaluru, it employs 500+ workers and supports 200+ MSMEs. Its facilities include cleanrooms for avionics assembly and testing. Alpha’s contributions bolster AEL’s defense revenue, projected to grow 15–20% annually through 2030.

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4. PLR Systems Private Ltd.

Establishment and Ownership: Incorporated in 2013, PLR Systems became a joint venture in September 2020 when Adani acquired a 51% stake. It focuses on small arms manufacturing in Kanpur.

Focus and Products: PLR produces small arms like IWI Negev light machine guns, Tavor TAR-21, and Galil sniper rifles, used by Indian special forces during the 2016 surgical strikes. It delivers 1–2 million rounds annually, securing India’s first private small arms contract. Anil Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Group, commented, “PLR’s small arms set a new standard for private defense manufacturing.”

Technological Sophistication: The rifles feature modular designs, advanced optics, and lightweight materials, ensuring reliability in diverse terrains. Production lines use automated machining for precision. Gen. Deepak Kapoor (Retd.), former Army Chief, said, “PLR’s small arms enhance India’s infantry capabilities.”

Partnerships: Partners with Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) for technology transfer and production. It leverages Adani’s MSME network for components. The Economic Times reported PLR’s potential for 16,400 light machine gun orders.

Operational Scale: The Kanpur facility, part of the ₹3,000-crore Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor complex (opened 2024), employs 1,500+ workers and aims for 300 million rounds annually by 2028. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath noted, “PLR’s Kanpur hub transforms India’s small arms supply.”

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5. General Aeronautics

Establishment and Ownership: Founded in Bengaluru, General Aeronautics focuses on drone technology. In May 2022, ADSTL acquired a 50% stake, integrating it into Adani’s defense portfolio.

Focus and Products: Specializes in drones for ISR, reconnaissance, and counter-drone operations, with low-altitude VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) drones featuring programmable navigation. Dr. R.K. Narang, aerospace expert, said, “General Aeronautics’ drones bolster India’s ISR capabilities.”

Technological Sophistication: Its drones integrate AI for real-time navigation and multi-sensor payloads (EO/IR, radar), ideal for surveillance and agricultural applications. A World Economic Forum report highlights their potential to boost India’s GDP by 1–1.5%.

Partnerships: Collaborates with DRDO and Adani’s R&D network, including IIT Gandhinagar. Dr. Anupam Tiwari, CLAWS Director, noted, “General Aeronautics’ integration with Adani drives drone innovation.”

Operational Scale: Operates from Bengaluru with a lean team of 200+ engineers, focusing on R&D and prototype development. Plans to scale production to 50–100 drones annually by 2028, supporting rural drone initiatives.

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6. Adani-Elbit Advanced Systems India Ltd.

Establishment and Ownership: Incorporated on November 7, 2016, as a joint venture between Adani Defence & Aerospace and Elbit Systems (Israel), with a paid-up capital of ₹520.5 million. Registered in Ahmedabad, it’s a non-government company focused on UAS.

Focus and Products: Produces the Hermes 900 MALE UAV at Hyderabad’s 50,000 sq. ft. facility, the first private UAV plant in India (opened 2018). It also develops counter-drone systems like Rudrav, demonstrated at Ahmedabad’s airport. Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (Retd.) stated, “Adani-Elbit’s UAVs redefine India’s aerial surveillance.”

Technological Sophistication: The Hermes 900 features AI-driven ISR, satellite comms, and 450 kg payload capacity, matching global platforms. The Rudrav counter-drone system integrates multi-sensor tech for swarm defense. Dr. Samir V. Kamat, DRDO Chairman, noted, “Adani-Elbit’s counter-drone tech is a strategic asset.”

Partnerships: Elbit Systems provides avionics and ISR tech, while Adani ensures localization. The JV established a design center in 2020 for co-developing defense technologies. Bezhalel Machlis, Elbit Systems CEO, said, “Our partnership with Adani strengthens India’s defense ecosystem.”

Operational Scale: The Hyderabad facility employs 1,000+ workers and supports exports, with one Hermes 900 delivered to Israel in 2024. Plans include 10–15 units annually by 2028, scaling to 20–25 by 2030.

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Key Insights Across Companies

• Synergy: These entities form a cohesive ecosystem, with ADSTL and Alpha Design focusing on electronics, Adani Aero and Adani-Elbit on UAVs, PLR on small arms, and General Aeronautics on niche drones, collectively driving AEL’s defense revenue (₹96,420 crore in FY24).
• Technological Edge: From AI-driven UAVs to precision-guided munitions, their products meet global standards, supported by technology transfers from Elbit, IWI, and DRDO.
• Scale: The Hyderabad and Kanpur facilities, employing over 5,000 workers, are set to produce 500 million ammunition rounds and 200–300 UAVs annually by 2030.
• Partnerships: Collaborations with global OEMs, DRDO, and IITs ensure innovation and indigenization, aligning with Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Appendix: Profiles of Adani Group’s Defense Companies

1. Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Ltd. (ADSTL)

• Established: 2015, wholly-owned by AEL.
• Focus: Defense electronics, avionics, EW systems, combat radios.
• Products: Radars, communication systems for Army vehicles.
• Tech: AI-driven signal processing, SDR tech.
• Partners: Elbit Systems, IIT Kanpur, MSMEs.
• Scale: Ahmedabad-based, supports 500+ MSMEs, key revenue driver.

2. Adani Aero Defence Systems & Technologies Ltd.

• Established: 2015, wholly-owned by AEL.
• Focus: UAS, aerospace components.
• Products: Hermes 900 UAV, carbon aero-structures, gearboxes.
• Tech: AI ISR, satellite comms, advanced composites.
• Partners: Elbit Systems, Rave Gears (USA).
• Scale: Hyderabad facility (1,000+ workers), exports to Israel.

3. Alpha Design Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

• Established: 2003, acquired 2020 by ADSTL.
• Focus: Electronics, avionics, simulators, radars.
• Products: 66 radars, MiG-29 simulator.
• Tech: Advanced signal processing, real-time simulation.
• Partners: IAI, HAL, BEL, Elbit (Vignan Technologies).
• Scale: Bengaluru, 500+ workers, 200+ MSMEs.

4. PLR Systems Private Ltd.

• Established: 2013, 51% stake by Adani (2020).
• Focus: Small arms manufacturing.
• Products: IWI Negev, Tavor TAR-21, Galil rifles (1–2M rounds/year).
• Tech: Modular designs, advanced optics.
• Partners: IWI, MSMEs.
• Scale: Kanpur facility, 1,500+ workers, 300M rounds by 2028.

5. General Aeronautics

• Established: Bengaluru-based, 50% stake by ADSTL (2022).
• Focus: ISR and counter-drone drones.
• Products: VTOL drones with programmable navigation.
• Tech: AI navigation, multi-sensor payloads.
• Partners: DRDO, IIT Gandhinagar.
• Scale: 200+ engineers, 50–100 drones/year by 2028.

6. Adani-Elbit Advanced Systems India Ltd.

• Established: 2016, JV with Elbit Systems.
• Focus: UAVs, counter-drone systems.
• Products: Hermes 900, Rudrav counter-drone system.
• Tech: AI ISR, multi-sensor counter-drone tech.
• Partners: Elbit Systems, design center for co-development.
• Scale: Hyderabad, 1,000+ workers, 20–25 UAVs/year by 2030.