India’s new-age aerospace ambitions took a decisive turn after Deepinder Goyal led his startup LAT Aerospace to acquire defence robotics firm Sharang Shakti. The deal marks the company’s first acquisition and signals a sharp entry into defence technology, with a clear focus on indigenous capability and dual-use innovation.
Goyal, best known as the co-founder of Zomato, now channels his entrepreneurial drive into aerospace manufacturing and advanced systems engineering. With this acquisition, he accelerates LAT Aerospace’s roadmap and strengthens its core technology stack in autonomy, sensing, navigation, and control systems.
A Strategic Shift Toward Defence
LAT Aerospace started with a bold ambition: design and build short takeoff and landing aircraft tailored for regional connectivity across India. The company targets underserved routes and smaller airstrips, where conventional jets struggle to operate efficiently. That vision continues, but the acquisition of Sharang Shakti adds a powerful new dimension.
Sharang Shakti develops advanced defence robotics and anti-drone technologies. The startup builds systems that detect, track, and neutralize aerial threats, especially rogue or hostile drones. As drone incursions grow across borders and critical infrastructure sites, demand for robust counter-drone platforms continues to rise. LAT Aerospace recognized that opportunity and moved quickly.
Goyal framed the acquisition as the first concrete step toward building indigenous defence capabilities. He emphasized technology overlap between civil aviation and defence systems. Both domains require high-precision sensors, intelligent software, resilient communication links, and reliable flight control systems. By bringing Sharang Shakti’s expertise in-house, LAT Aerospace gains direct access to that know-how and shortens its development cycles.
Sharang Shakti’s Technological Edge
Sharang Shakti launched in 2023 under the leadership of four graduates from IIT Delhi. The founders focused on real-time airspace monitoring, autonomous threat detection, and integrated response platforms. They built modular systems that combine radar, optical sensors, and AI-based analytics. These systems identify suspicious aerial objects, classify them, and trigger countermeasures within seconds.
The startup also invested in indigenous hardware design. Instead of relying heavily on imported components, it pursued local manufacturing partnerships and in-house development. That approach aligns closely with India’s broader push for self-reliance in defence production.
Through the acquisition, LAT Aerospace gains access to Sharang Shakti’s engineering team, intellectual property, and ongoing defence relationships. The move strengthens LAT’s internal research capability and expands its addressable market beyond commercial aviation.
Dual-Use Technology as a Growth Engine
The aerospace and defence industries share deep technological foundations. Advanced avionics, embedded systems, propulsion management, and autonomous navigation serve both sectors. LAT Aerospace now plans to leverage Sharang Shakti’s experience in robotics and AI-driven surveillance to enhance its aircraft programs.
For example, real-time obstacle detection and adaptive flight control systems developed for defence robotics can improve safety features in regional aircraft. Sensor fusion algorithms used in anti-drone systems can support advanced navigation and terrain awareness in civil aviation platforms. By integrating these capabilities early, LAT Aerospace builds a more competitive and resilient product architecture.
This dual-use strategy reduces risk and diversifies revenue streams. Defence contracts offer stable, long-term demand, while civil aviation presents scalable commercial opportunities. LAT Aerospace can now pursue both tracks with greater technological depth.
Strengthening India’s Indigenous Defence Ecosystem
India’s defence sector has seen a steady shift toward domestic production and private-sector participation. Policymakers encourage startups and established firms to reduce import dependence and develop homegrown solutions. The acquisition fits neatly within that context.
Sharang Shakti’s anti-drone systems address a critical national security challenge. Drone-based surveillance, smuggling, and potential attacks create complex risks across borders and urban centers. Rapid detection and neutralization systems play a crucial role in mitigating those threats.
By integrating Sharang Shakti into its structure, LAT Aerospace positions itself as a serious contributor to the national defence supply chain. The company can now collaborate more closely with armed forces, paramilitary units, and strategic infrastructure operators.
Leadership and Vision
Deepinder Goyal brings a track record of scaling technology-driven ventures. At Zomato, he built a global consumer platform through disciplined execution and strong product focus. In aerospace, he applies similar principles but targets a capital-intensive and highly regulated industry.
He emphasizes long-term value creation over quick returns. Aerospace manufacturing demands patience, deep engineering investment, and rigorous certification processes. By acquiring Sharang Shakti early in LAT Aerospace’s lifecycle, Goyal signals commitment to building foundational capabilities rather than outsourcing critical technologies.
That approach reflects a broader shift in India’s startup landscape. Founders now explore deep-tech sectors such as aerospace, robotics, semiconductor design, and defence systems. Capital increasingly flows into hardware and engineering-heavy domains, not just consumer internet platforms.
Integration and Future Roadmap
The immediate priority for LAT Aerospace involves seamless integration of Sharang Shakti’s team and technology. Cross-functional collaboration will play a key role. Aerospace engineers, robotics specialists, and AI researchers must align product roadmaps and share development frameworks.
LAT Aerospace can create unified R&D centers that focus on core modules such as autonomous flight control, secure communications, and sensor integration. By standardizing platforms across civil and defence applications, the company can accelerate testing and certification.
The acquisition also opens potential export opportunities. Many countries seek cost-effective anti-drone systems and regional aircraft solutions. If LAT Aerospace succeeds in building competitive products, it can tap into international defence and aviation markets.
A Defining Moment for LAT Aerospace
This acquisition marks more than a simple expansion. It reshapes LAT Aerospace’s identity. The company now stands at the intersection of civil aviation innovation and defence technology development. That position demands rigorous compliance, strong government relationships, and sustained engineering excellence.
Sharang Shakti adds technical depth and strategic relevance. Its anti-drone expertise strengthens national security capabilities while enhancing LAT Aerospace’s own product roadmap. Together, the two entities can build an integrated ecosystem of aircraft platforms, autonomous systems, and advanced robotics.
India’s aerospace ambitions require bold bets and long-term commitment. With this move, Deepinder Goyal signals that he intends to play a meaningful role in shaping that future. If LAT Aerospace executes effectively, it could emerge as a flagship example of how private entrepreneurship can power indigenous defence and aviation technology in the country.
The road ahead will demand discipline, capital, and sustained innovation. Yet this acquisition provides a strong foundation. LAT Aerospace now holds both the vision and the technical muscle to pursue its dual mission: connect India’s regions through advanced aircraft and strengthen its skies through cutting-edge defence robotics.
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