NewSpace
NewSpace Research and Technologies is a Bengaluru-based aerospace and defence R&D company building AI-driven unmanned aerial systems — including loitering munitions, swarm drones, and loyal wingman platforms — primarily for the Indian Ministry of Defence and armed forces under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat programme.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersBengaluru, India
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What NewSpace does
NewSpace Research and Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (NRT) is a Bengaluru-based aerospace and defence R&D company founded in 2018 that develops unmanned aerial systems for Indian military and civil government applications. The company builds a portfolio spanning long-range loitering munitions (Sheshnaag-150, Sheshnag-20), solar-powered persistent surveillance UAVs (MAPSS), naval loyal wingman drones (Abhimanyu/N-CCAV), swarm-deployment pods (ALFA-S), and foundational multi-rotor platforms (BELUGA, NIMBUS, MACKEREL, NIMBUS-SCOPE). Its technical stack centres on proprietary AI-driven swarm autonomy via the "Chanakya" framework and "MOSAIC" software, complemented by visual terrain navigation for GPS-denied environments, intelligent mesh networking, and an air-cooled boxer piston engine engineered for high-altitude Himalayan operations.
The company's revenue model is built on direct government procurement contracts with the Indian Ministry of Defence and the three armed services, supplemented by milestone-based R&D and design contracts through HAL (for the CATS Warrior loyal wingman and ALFA-S) and DRDO (for ULPGM-V3 missile integration). Its go-to-market combines enterprise field sales into government defence buyers with an OEM/embedded delivery model to public-sector primes. Recent contract wins include a ₹168 crore Indian Army order for MAPSS surveillance UAVs and a ₹200 crore swarm drone contract from the Ministry of Defence, both delivered under fast-track procurement post-Operation Sindoor. A secondary civil channel serves NDRF, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Department of Telecommunications for disaster response and homeland security applications. To date the company has raised over $158 million across equity rounds plus INR 115 crore in debt, led by Pavestone Technology Fund, with stated ambitions to reach unicorn status within five years.
The company operates within India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat framework, which mandates domestic preference in defence procurement, and is embedded in a public-private ecosystem alongside HAL, DRDO, Bharat Dynamics Limited, and Adani Defence. Leadership consists of co-founders Sameer Joshi (CEO) and Julius Amrit (COO), and the company is currently pursuing international expansion into the United States, Japan, and Saudi Arabia following showcases at Aero India 2025 and the World Defence Show 2026.
NewSpace firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- NewSpace
- Legal name
- NewSpace Research and Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
- Website
- https://newspace.co.in
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- NewSpace Research and Technologies is a Bengaluru-based aerospace and defence R&D company building AI-driven unmanned aerial systems — including loitering munitions, swarm drones, and loyal wingman platforms — primarily for the Indian Ministry of Defence and armed forces under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat programme.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
NewSpace industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Defence Unmanned Aerial Systems
- NAICS
- Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419), Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (33641), Aircraft Manufacturing (336411)
- SIC
- Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Ordnance & Accessories, (No Vehicles/Guided Missiles) (3480), Aircraft (3721)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Military Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) & Autonomous Aerial Platforms (IMABAMAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Military Fixed-Wing Aircraft Manufacturing (IMABAAAB), Bombs, Depth Charges & Aerial Delivered Ordnance (IMABAHAI), UAS Ground Control Stations (GCS) & Remote Operations Infrastructure (IMABAIAL), Military Avionics, Mission Computers & Flight Controls (IMABAMAE), UAS Communications, Datalinks, SATCOM & Remote Control Systems (IMABAIAJ)
Keywords
Where NewSpace is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bengaluru
- HQ country
- India
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices1 record
Markets served
NewSpace business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Defence Contracts — Indian Armed Forces: NewSpace derives primary revenue from direct procurement contracts with Indian defence agencies including the Army, Air Force, and Navy, as well as the Ministry of Defence. Contracts include the ₹168 crore solar-powered MAPSS UAV order for the Indian Army, the 200 crore INR swarm drone surveillance and assault systems contract for the Defence Ministry, and design contracts for HAPS. Revenue is generated through one-time hardware sales with recurring follow-on orders driven by operational requirements and emergency procurement.
- R&D and Design Contracts: The company generates revenue through R&D and design contracts with government agencies including HAL (for CATS Warrior), DRDO (for ULPGM-V3 integration), and iDEX-funded development programmes. These are milestone-based professional and engineering services.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels4 records
NewSpace product offering
Product offeringCore offering
NewSpace Research and Technologies designs, develops, and manufactures next-generation unmanned aerospace systems for India's defence and civilian sectors. Its portfolio spans swarm-capable multi-rotor UAVs (BELUGA, NIMBUS, MACKEREL, NIMBUS-SCOPE), long-range loitering munitions (Sheshnaag-150, Sheshnag-20), solar-powered persistent surveillance platforms (MAPSS), and loyal wingman combat air vehicles (Abhimanyu/N-CCAV, CATS Warrior). The company delivers these systems primarily to the Indian Ministry of Defence and the Indian armed forces under direct procurement and co-development contracts with HAL and DRDO.
Product overview
NewSpace Research and Technologies (NRT) is India's fastest-growing Aerospace & Defence R&D company developing Next Generation Mission & Technologies (NGM&T) across unmanned aerospace systems. The portfolio includes BELUGA (Hybrid Multi-rotor Long Endurance UAV), NIMBUS (Multi-purpose Electric UAV), MACKEREL (Loitering Munition Multi-rotor UAV), and NIMBUS-SCOPE (Tethered Electric UAV) as foundational UAV platforms. Advanced systems include Sheshnaag-150 (long-range swarm attack drone with 1,000+ km range), Sheshnag-20 (canister-launched swarming munition), MAPSS (solar-powered surveillance UAV), and Abhimanyu/N-CCAV (naval loyal wingman drone). The company also contributes to HAL's CATS Warrior programme and ALFA-S swarm pods for India's Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) doctrine. Products serve Indian Ministry of Defence, Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, National Disaster Response Force, and Ministry of Home Affairs.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- BELUGA
Quantifiable outcome
- Sheshnaag-150 demonstrated 720 km flight path and 5+ hours endurance in Pokhran testing, with target engagement accuracy of 5 m CEP.
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use NewSpace
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
NewSpace technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability13 records
Feature8 records
NewSpace partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)coreNewSpace is a development partner with HAL on multiple programmes: the CATS Warrior loyal wingman UCAV (under HAL's Combat Air Teaming System), the ALFA-S swarm pod, and a High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) design contract. The company also collaborates with HAL and Tata Elxsi on the CATS Warrior programme targeting first flight by 2027.
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)coreNewSpace integrates DRDO-developed ULPGM-V3 precision-guided missiles onto its UAV platforms, successfully demonstrated in development trials in 2026. The company also received DRDO mentorship for autonomous indoor drone technology development and operates within DRDO's broader defence ecosystem.
- Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)coreBharat Dynamics Limited is a production partner for the ULPGM-V3 missile system developed by DRDO. NewSpace's UAV platforms serve as the launch vehicles for BDL-produced missiles as part of the indigenous missile programme.
- Adani Defence Systems & Technologies LimitedcoreAdani Defence and Technologies Limited is a production partner for the ULPGM-V3 missile system alongside Bharat Dynamics Limited. NewSpace integrates the missile on its UAV platforms as part of the fully indigenous domestic supply chain.
- Tata ElxsisupportingTata Elxsi is listed as a partner in NewSpace's CATS Warrior loyal wingman development alongside HAL and NewSpace, likely providing design and engineering integration support.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
NewSpace competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- IdeaForge Technology: Indian listed drone OEM competing for the same Indian Army, Air Force, and paramilitary UAV and loitering munition contracts under the iDEX and fast-track procurement programmes. Highly comparable in customer base, geography, and product category (tactical UAVs and swarm-capable platforms).
- Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL): Indian defence PSU that manufactures guided missiles and is a production partner for the DRDO ULPGM-V3 that NewSpace integrates on its UAVs. Directly comparable as a producer of indigenous precision strike and missile systems for the Indian Ministry of Defence.
- AeroVironment: US-listed designer of Switchblade loitering munitions and Puma/Helios tactical UAVs. Closest international peer to NewSpace's Sheshnaag/Sheshnag loitering munitions family and swarm-enabled ISR UAVs, serving a similar mission profile for defence customers.
Broad incumbents
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL): India's largest defence aerospace prime, partner on the CATS Warrior loyal wingman UCAV and a buyer of NewSpace's ALFA-S swarm pods. Comparable as a peer/partner in combat UAVs, ISR platforms, and indigenous military aircraft manufacturing.
- Adani Defence & Aerospace: Vertically integrated Indian defence manufacturer producing UAVs, missiles, and counter-UAS systems. Overlaps with NewSpace in indigenous loitering munitions and UAV platforms supplied to Indian armed forces.
- Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI): Producer of Harop and other loitering munitions used by the IAF (notably referenced post-Operation Sindoor as the benchmark NewSpace aims to displace). Comparable in loitering munitions, UAV systems, and combat-proven autonomous aerial platforms.
- Elbit Systems: Israeli defence major with a portfolio spanning Hermes UAVs, loitering munitions, and MUM-T loyal wingman concepts (e.g., Mini Harpy). Comparable to NewSpace across UAS, swarm, and electronic warfare-resilient autonomous strike.
- Tata Advanced Systems Limited: Indian conglomerate defence arm competing in indigenous UAV and aerospace programmes, including as a partner on the CATS Warrior alongside NewSpace. Comparable as a broad incumbent in Indian military UAS and aerospace integration.
- Thales Group: European defence prime with combat air teaming, unmanned systems, and avionics/navigation offerings relevant to MUM-T and indigenous electronics. Comparable as a broad incumbent supplying autonomous aerial systems and mission electronics to allied militaries.
Emerging players
- Anduril Industries: US-based autonomous systems company building AI-driven UAVs, loitering munitions (Roadrunner), and mesh networking for defence. Comparable in technology stack (AI swarm autonomy, mesh networking, autonomous strike) and target customer (modernising militaries).
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
NewSpace social profiles
Digital presenceNewSpace financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
NewSpace leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
NewSpace funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds5 records
Investors10 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
NewSpace M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about NewSpace
What does NewSpace do?
NewSpace Research and Technologies designs, develops, and manufactures next-generation unmanned aerospace systems for India's defence and civilian sectors. Its portfolio spans swarm-capable multi-rotor UAVs (BELUGA, NIMBUS, MACKEREL, NIMBUS-SCOPE), long-range loitering munitions (Sheshnaag-150, Sheshnag-20), solar-powered persistent surveillance platforms (MAPSS), and loyal wingman combat air vehicles (Abhimanyu/N-CCAV, CATS Warrior). The company delivers these systems primarily to the Indian Ministry of Defence and the Indian armed forces under direct procurement and co-development contracts with HAL and DRDO.
Is NewSpace a public or private company?
NewSpace is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was NewSpace founded?
NewSpace was founded in 2018. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is NewSpace based?
NewSpace is headquartered in Bengaluru, India, in the Asia region.
How does NewSpace make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Defence Contracts — Indian Armed Forces are the primary driver. The others are R&D and Design Contracts.
Who are NewSpace's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are IdeaForge Technology, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and AeroVironment. Broad incumbents are Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Adani Defence & Aerospace, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Elbit Systems, Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Thales Group. Anduril Industries is listed as an emerging player.
Does NewSpace have an API?
No public API is recorded for NewSpace.
What industry is NewSpace in?
NewSpace's product category is Defence Unmanned Aerial Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAMAC, Military Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) & Autonomous Aerial Platforms, with a secondary code of IMABAAAB, Military Fixed-Wing Aircraft Manufacturing. Its NAICS code is 336414 and its SIC code is 3812.