Bhubaneswar: City-based deep tech startup BonV Aero is all set to enter the US defence and aerial mobility market, thanks to support received under the I2A (India to America) launchpad initiative.
BonV Aero calls itself a pioneering logistics drone manufacturing company that specialises in Heavy-Payload UAVs, engineered for high altitudes and challenging terrains. The company claims that its drones, with a payload capacity of up to 20 kg, are currently operationally deployed Between 14,000 feet and 17,000 feet above mean sea level.
The company has also successfully demonstrated its 50 kg Payload drone to the Indian Army at 6,500 feet above mean sea level.
BonV Aero has been selected to explore potential collaborations with the US Department of Defence (DoD) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to scale up its dual-use (defence and civilian) technologies for global impact.
The I2A launchpad, spearheaded by FedTech and Indus Bridge Ventures, aims to fast-track startups that align with both countries’ strategic priorities in defence modernisation and critical infrastructure resilience.
The company helps the Indian Army operate fully autonomous logistics drones that can lift up to 30 kg at an altitude of 19,024 feet, which is a world record. The same technology is now being prepared for certification under Green UAS and Blue UAS programmes in the US, which focuses on cybersecurity and mission readiness.
CEO Satyabrata Satapathy told the New Indian Express that BonV Aero’s selection is a strong validation of its standout performance in a highly competitive cohort and Odisha’s arrival on the global aerospace map. “We will be travelling to the US in May to sign MoUs and identify test beds to validate our UAV technology,” he said.
Co-founder Gaurav Achha said BonV Aero now plans to scale its drone systems to lift 50 kg at 18,000 feet, and eventually up to 500 kg over 300 km unlocking inter-city and long-range logistics through unmanned aerial mobility. “Our goal is to solve mid-mile and last mile logistics challenges be it for defence, disaster response, or healthcare delivery,” he added.
The BonV Aero team includes 60+ engineers and experts. The company has over a decade of experience, spanning aerial mobility and other advanced technology.
