26 Feb, 2026 | Samtel Avionics Ltd., a leading Indian defence electronics and avionics company, has announced a major expansion into space technologies and indigenous drone systems, alongside significant investments aimed at strengthening India’s self-reliance in advanced defence electronics.
Over the past five years, the company has diversified beyond high-end cockpit displays and human-machine interface (HMI) systems into sensors, electronic warfare components, and advanced defence electronics, now serving multiple branches of the Indian armed forces, including the Indian Air Force and Army, while exploring opportunities with the Navy.
Samtel’s products have recently gained international visibility after being deployed on operational aircraft and helicopters, reinforcing global confidence in Indian-built defence technologies. The company is expanding exports to markets such as Malaysia, South Africa and the United States, positioning India as an alternative global supply-chain hub amid growing defence demand worldwide.
A key growth driver is the company’s newly launched indigenous drone division, focused on developing fully in-house platforms with proprietary intellectual property. The company plans to build long-endurance drones equipped with advanced payload and anti-drone capabilities, targeting a domestic drone market estimated at nearly ₹5,000 crore annually. Samtel also plans to establish long-term maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities for unmanned systems.
In another strategic move, Samtel is entering the space sector, with plans to develop low-earth orbit (LEO) and miniature satellites featuring communication and IoT capabilities. The first space project, which is expected to begin within the next few months, with prototypes and commercial deployment in the next couple of years.
With nearly 60% of its workforce dedicated to research and development, the company continues to prioritise indigenous innovation under the “Make in India for the World” vision. Exports currently contribute about 25–30% of revenues and are expected to rise to nearly 50% in the coming years.
Samtel Avionics aims to position itself as a global high-technology electronics player, supporting India’s evolving defence and space ecosystem while reducing dependence on imported advanced electronic systems.
Puneet Kaura CEO and MD of Samtel Avionics said, “We are looking to expand in space tech, particularly in LEO and space debris clearing mechanisms, and I think I can say that there cannot be a better time for companies in this sector than today.”
“Financially, the company expects revenue to grow from approximately ₹200 crore this year to ₹400 crore next year, backed by a projected ₹1,000 crore order book across domestic and international markets. Samtel recently raised around ₹215 crore (USD 23.65 million) in fresh capital to accelerate research, innovation and expansion, and is evaluating an IPO in the next few years.”
