Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): Haryana is exploring proposed joint ventures with Russian technology companies to expand advanced drone manufacturing and navigation technology in the state. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini met a high-level Russian delegation in Chandigarh on Wednesday to discuss investment, technology transfer, joint research and industrial cooperation.
The discussions focused on two proposed India-Russia joint ventures at Drone City Haryana in Sisai, near Hansi in Hisar district. One proposal involves manufacturing advanced helicopter drones, while the other aims to develop navigation technology that can operate without relying on GPS or other global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals.
The projects are proposals under discussion and should not be treated as completed investments or operational manufacturing facilities.
What Drone Manufacturing Projects Are Proposed For Haryana?
One proposed joint venture between Russia-based Omnitech LLC and AVPL International envisages setting up an advanced helicopter drone manufacturing facility at Drone City Haryana.
According to the proposal presented during the meeting, the facility would support the manufacturing, assembly, research, testing and technological development of unmanned helicopter systems.
The proposed drones are designed to have a flight range of up to 250 kilometres and a payload capacity of up to 200 kilograms. These are specifications outlined in the proposal, rather than independently verified performance figures for an operational product.
The project aims to encourage technology transfer, domestic manufacturing, research and industrial production in Haryana.
Where Could The Proposed Helicopter Drones Be Used?
The proposed systems could be used for industrial logistics, disaster management and delivering essential supplies to remote or difficult-to-reach areas, according to the project details shared with the state government.
If the joint venture is finalised and implemented, the facility could expand Haryana’s capabilities in specialised helicopter drones and unmanned aerial systems.
The proposal also envisages developing local manufacturing, assembly and testing capabilities rather than limiting cooperation to importing finished systems.
What Is The GPS-Independent Drone Navigation Project?
The second proposed joint venture involves 4GNSS LLC/Orient Systems Group and focuses on navigation technology that could allow drones to operate when GPS or other GNSS satellite signals are unavailable.
The proposal includes exploring the use of Indian semiconductor chips, developing indigenous technology and manufacturing the systems in India.
Such technology could help drones continue planned operations in environments where satellite-navigation signals are unavailable or disrupted. The exact technical capabilities and operational readiness of the proposed system have not been independently established in the information provided.
The initiative could create opportunities in autonomous navigation, drone research and aerospace electronics if the partnership progresses.
Who Was Part Of The Russian Delegation?
The six-member delegation included four Russian representatives and two Indian representatives.
The Russian delegation comprised Leonid Artemov, director at the Skolkovo Foundation; project manager Alexander Zaporozhsky; Alexey Urbansky, CEO of Omnitech LLC; and Sergey Lebedev, CEO and co-founder of 4GNSS LLC/Orient Systems Group.
The Indian representatives were Lieutenant General Rakesh Kumar Anand, director general of the Drone Tech Multi-State Cooperative Society, and Deep Singh Sisai, founder and chairman of AVPL International, also identified as AITMC Ventures Limited.
The meeting was attended by Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, Chief Minister’s Officer on Special Duty Vivek Kalia and other senior officials.
What Is Haryana Doing To Promote Drone Manufacturing?
The Haryana government has been pursuing plans to develop the state as a centre for drone manufacturing, research and innovation.
According to the state government’s statement, the Haryana Enterprises Promotion Board had approved a special incentive package of Rs 58.51 crore for AITMC Ventures Limited. The approval was granted under the Haryana Enterprises and Employment Policy, 2020, to support the development of an industrial hub for manufacturing drones and drone components in Hisar district.
At a review meeting on September 28, 2026, Saini also directed officials to prioritise drone research, support startups and strengthen technical skills among young people.
Drone City Haryana in Sisai is part of this broader initiative. The Chief Minister laid its foundation stone in September 2025, while the first phase was inaugurated by state Cabinet Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi in May 2026, according to the government statement.
Did The Russian Delegation Visit Drone City Haryana?
Before meeting Saini, the Russian delegation met Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu in New Delhi on October 12, 2026.
The delegation subsequently visited Drone City Haryana in Sisai to review its manufacturing, research and technical training facilities. Representatives of AVPL International and the Drone Tech Multi-State Cooperative Society also discussed possible technical cooperation and joint ventures with the Russian companies.
The proposed partnerships could support Haryana’s ambition to attract advanced manufacturing and aerospace investment. Their eventual impact will depend on the finalisation of agreements, implementation of the projects and the development of the proposed technologies.
