Raghava Aerospace & Defence Pvt Ltd (RADPL) has inaugurated a new integrated aerospace and defence facility at Kokapet in Hyderabad, marking a significant step in the company’s efforts to expand indigenous defence manufacturing and strengthen India’s capabilities in advanced aerospace technologies.
The facility was inaugurated on September 2 in the presence of former Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman and President of the Aeronautical Society of India, Dr G. Satheesh Reddy. The launch comes as India continues to encourage greater participation from private companies in defence research, development and manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Satheesh Reddy said India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem has matured considerably, with domestic companies increasingly involved in the production of advanced military systems. He highlighted the growing role of private-sector development and production partners and said Indian industry now has an opportunity to expand its presence in international defence markets.
He also pointed to the government’s allocation of ₹1.39 lakh crore towards indigenous defence manufacturing, describing it as a major opportunity for Indian companies. According to him, India’s defence industry has progressed from being heavily dependent on imports to developing systems that are now finding opportunities in overseas markets. He encouraged Raghava Aerospace & Defence to focus not only on domestic requirements but also on building a strong export-oriented business.
RADPL has established three key areas of operation covering research and development, electronic system design and manufacturing, and composite structures. The new Kokapet facility has been equipped with specialised infrastructure intended to support the development, qualification and production of aerospace and defence systems.
Among its capabilities is a Class 100,000 cleanroom designed for microwave assembly, along with RF and microwave testing infrastructure capable of operating up to 40 GHz. The facility also includes electrostatic discharge-controlled assembly and integration laboratories and dedicated infrastructure for composite manufacturing.
The company has expanded its technological base through five acquisitions, bringing together capabilities in electronic warfare, wideband RF systems, missile-borne RF systems and telemetry, embedded systems, power electronics and advanced composite structures. The consolidation of these capabilities is intended to create an integrated platform for design, qualification and production.
RADPL has also entered into a joint venture with Peridot Advanced Materials for the MALE-300 programme. The project involves an indigenous medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial system intended for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance applications. The platform is designed around a modular payload capacity of 300 kg, with a stated endurance of up to 30 hours and an operating altitude of around 30,000 feet.
The development comes as Hyderabad continues to strengthen its position as an important centre for India’s aerospace and defence industry. By combining electronics, RF systems, advanced composites and unmanned-system development, the new facility is expected to support the growing demand for domestically developed defence technologies.
The launch of Raghava Aerospace & Defence also reflects the broader expansion of India’s private defence industry. With increasing government support for indigenous procurement and growing opportunities in international markets, companies with specialised engineering and manufacturing capabilities are expected to play a larger role in India’s long-term defence production strategy.