Chandigarh: In a significant step towards positioning Haryana as a global hub for drone manufacturing, aerospace and advanced technology, a high-level Russian delegation met Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini at his residence Sant Kabir Kutir in Chandigarh to explore opportunities for investment, technology transfer, joint research and industrial collaboration in the state.
The discussions focused on two proposed India–Russia joint ventures at Drone City Haryana, established by AVPL International in Sisai, Hansi. The proposed projects envisage the manufacturing of advanced helicopter drones and the development of GPS/GNSS-independent drone navigation technology using Indian semiconductor chips.
The six-member delegation comprised four representatives from leading Russian technology organisations and two senior Indian representatives. The Russian delegation included Mr. Leonid Artemov, Director, Skolkovo Foundation; Mr. Aleksandr Zaporozhskii, Project Manager, Skolkovo Foundation; Mr. Alexey Urbanskiy, CEO, Omnitech LLC; and Mr. Sergey Lebedev, CEO and Co-Founder, 4GNSS LLC / Orient Systems Group. The Indian representatives were Lieutenant General Rakesh Kumar Anand, Director General, Drone Tech Multi-State Cooperative Society, and Sh. Deep Singh Sisai, Founder and Chairman, AVPL International (AITMC Ventures Limited). The delegation discussed opportunities for developing an advanced drone manufacturing ecosystem in Haryana through international technological cooperation and proposed joint ventures.
During the meeting, the delegation apprised the Chief Minister of the proposed collaboration between Russia's Omnitech LLC and AVPL International for establishing an advanced helicopter drone manufacturing facility at Drone City Haryana in Sisai. The proposed project envisages manufacturing, assembly, research, testing and technological development facilities for advanced unmanned helicopter platforms. According to the proposal, the helicopter drone would have a flight range of up to 250 kilometres and a payload capacity of up to 200 kilograms. The project aims to promote technology transfer, indigenous manufacturing, research and industrial production in Haryana.
The proposed helicopter drones could be used for industrial logistics, disaster management, the delivery of essential supplies to remote and inaccessible areas, and other civilian and industrial applications. If the joint venture is finalised, the project could create new opportunities for the development of a specialised helicopter drone manufacturing sector in Haryana, strengthening the state's position in advanced aerospace and unmanned aerial systems manufacturing.
The delegation also discussed a second proposed India–Russia joint venture with 4GNSS LLC / Orient Systems Group for developing advanced drone navigation technology capable of operating without GPS/GNSS signals. The proposed technology aims to enable drones to complete their designated missions even when satellite navigation signals are unavailable. The project envisages exploring the use of Indian semiconductor chips, indigenous technological development and manufacturing in India. The initiative could contribute to the advancement of drone research, autonomous navigation and aerospace electronics while creating opportunities for domestic technology development.
Notably, the Haryana Government has already taken significant steps to promote drone and aerospace manufacturing in the state. At the 19th meeting of the Haryana Enterprise Promotion Board (HEPB), chaired by Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, a special incentive package of ₹58.51 crore was approved for AITMC Ventures Limited. The approval was granted under the Haryana Enterprises and Employment Policy, 2020, for developing a drone and drone-component manufacturing hub in Hisar district.
The Chief Minister has also emphasised the need to establish Haryana as a leading destination for drone manufacturing, research and innovation. During a review meeting held on September 28, 2026, he directed officials to prioritise research in drone manufacturing, provide facilities to startups and strengthen technical skill development among young people, with the objective of developing Haryana as the Drone Capital. The proposed collaboration with Russian technology companies represents a potential opportunity to advance these priorities through international partnerships, technology transfer and high-value manufacturing.
Drone City Haryana at Sisai is an important initiative in this direction. The foundation stone of the project was laid by the Chief Minister in September 2025, while its first phase was inaugurated in May 2026 by Haryana Government Cabinet Minister Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi.
Before arriving in Haryana, the Russian delegation met Union Minister for Civil Aviation Sh. Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu in New Delhi on October 12, 2026. The delegation subsequently visited Drone City Haryana at Sisai to familiarise itself with the manufacturing, research and technical training facilities available at the site. Representatives of AVPL International and the Drone Tech Multi-State Cooperative Society also discussed opportunities for technological cooperation and joint ventures with the Russian companies.
Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, OSD to CM Sh. Vivek Kalia, and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.