Sagar Defence Engineering has announced a strategic investment in EndureAir Systems, an IIT Kanpur–incubated aerospace startup focused on developing indigenous aerial robotics for defence and advanced applications. The move underscores Sagar Defence Engineering’s intent to strengthen India’s self-reliant defence technology ecosystem through partnerships with deep-tech innovators.Founded by Capt Nikunj Parashar along with Mridul Babbar, Lakshay Dang, Ankit Kumar and Saurabh Patil, Sagar Defence Engineering is working to transform India’s defence landscape through autonomous and unmanned systems. EndureAir Systems, established by Dr Abhishek, Rama Krishna and Chirag Jain, has emerged from cutting-edge research at IIT Kanpur, translating academic innovation into mission-ready aerial robotics platforms tailored for Indian operational environments.The investment reflects a shared vision to advance unmanned and autonomous capabilities while reducing reliance on imported defence technologies. By combining Sagar Defence Engineering’s operational insight and industry experience with EndureAir’s research-driven engineering expertise, the partnership aims to accelerate indigenous design, development and deployment of advanced aerial robotics systems.Commenting on the investment, Capt Nikunj Parashar, Founder, Sagar Defence Engineering, said, “This investment is more than capital; it reflects our belief in a principle we hold deeply: built on courage, perseverance, and innovation, it epitomises this spirit.”Welcoming the partnership, Dr Abhishek, Co-founder, EndureAir Systems, said, “The investment is beyond a business partnership, it’s a technological bridge to combine forces among the business and thought leaders from Sagar Defence Engineering with the technology and R&D talent pool of EndureAir. I foresee this partnership spiralling into something great for the Indian Defence Industry.”The collaboration is aligned with national priorities such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and the Viksit Bharat vision, aiming to build a technologically sovereign and future-ready defence ecosystem. Through this partnership, both companies plan to push the boundaries of aerial robotics while scaling homegrown innovation and manufacturing for India’s defence sector.