In a significant stride towards bolstering India’s defence capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has forged a crucial partnership with Bengaluru-based SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd. The collaboration aims at designing and developing a miniaturised satellite tailored for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative, this contract marks a monumental achievement as the 350th agreement signed. The miniaturised satellite, designed to accommodate payloads weighing up to 150 kg, will include advanced sensors such as electro-optical, infrared, synthetic aperture radar, and hyperspectral technologies.
The contract, formalised in New Delhi on June 25, 2024, signifies a milestone for iDEX, with Anurag Bajpai, Additional Secretary (Defence Production), and Awais Ahmed Nadeem Alduri, Founder & CEO of SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd, sealing the agreement.
The satellite’s development heralds a new era in satellite technology, offering enhanced capabilities in a compact form factor. By leveraging miniaturisation, the project promises expedited deployment timelines, cost-efficiency, scalability, and reduced environmental footprint. Its modular design allows for flexible integration of various payloads to meet diverse mission requirements effectively.
Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane underscored the strategic significance of nurturing indigenous innovation, emphasizing that local capabilities serve as a catalyst for pioneering advancements in defence technologies. He reaffirmed the MoD’s commitment to supporting innovators throughout their journey.
Aligned with iDEX’s mandate to foster innovation in critical defence technologies, this collaboration underscores India’s commitment to bolstering its defence infrastructure. iDEX, recognized with the Prime Minister’s Award for Public Policy in Innovation, has catalyzed substantial engagement with over 400 startups and MSMEs, facilitating procurements exceeding Rs 2,000 crore.
The MoD’s continuous efforts through initiatives like the Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC) and the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme further underscore India’s proactive stance in nurturing a vibrant defence innovation ecosystem. These efforts have not only spurred technological advancements but also generated employment opportunities within the defence sector.