Solar Defence and Aerospace to manufacture drones in Nagpur’s MIHAN-SEZ

Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) successfully completes the trial of its Hybrid VTOL UAV Rudrastra at the Pokharan Firing Range
| Photo Credit:
ANI

The Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) on Thursday issued a provisional land allotment letter to Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) for acquiring 223 acres in the MIHAN Special Economic Zone (SEZ). This marks the largest land allotment in MIHAN-SEZ so far. SDAL plans to establish a state-of-the-art facility to manufacture Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones at the site. The proposed project is expected to bolster India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and generate high-skilled employment in the region.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis handed over a provisional land allotment letter to SDAL in a function organized in Nagpur.

SDAL is making an investment of ₹12,080 crore in the defence sector. Of this, ₹680 crore will be invested in the MIHAN Special Economic Zone to set up a Defence and Aerospace Equipment Manufacturing Centre. The project is expected to create 400 direct and 1,000 indirect employment opportunities.

Expressing satisfaction over the launch of this new expansion project, Chief Minister Fadnavis said that it will give Nagpur a new identity as one of the country’s leading hubs for defence and aerospace production. He added that this initiative will further strengthen Maharashtra’s Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and industrial development goals.

Published on October 24, 2025