Bengaluru, India – April 22, 2025, In a major stride toward bolstering indigenous aerospace and defence capabilities, two cutting-edge Indian DeepTech startups, NextLeap Aeronautics and Dheya Engineering Technologies Private Limited, have officially signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development of turbojet-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for defence applications.
This landmark partnership will focus on the co-development of high-performance UAV platforms tailored for tactical and strategic military roles, including :
- Jet-powered Kamikaze drones
- Loyal Wingman drones
- High-speed aerial targets
- Modular drones with swappable payloads
The collaboration brings together NextLeap Aeronautics’ extensive expertise in UAV systems and operational deployments with Dheya Engineering’s advanced knowledge in gas turbine propulsion. Central to this partnership is the integration of Dheya’s DET-500 turbojet engine, an indigenous propulsion system capable of producing 50 kg of thrust, designed specifically for compact and efficient UAV applications.
“This partnership represents a fusion of innovation and self-reliance,” said Thaariq Ahmad, co-founder at NextLeap Aeronautics. “We’re thrilled to join hands with Dheya Engineering to push the boundaries of UAV propulsion and take a definitive step toward achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat in the aerospace and defense sectors.” While speaking to Defence XP.
NextLeap Aeronautics has emerged as one of India’s most promising aerospace startups, with a dedicated team of over 50 engineers, production technicians, and DGCA-certified UAV pilots and instructors. The company has successfully delivered more than 300 medium-class drones across the country and continues to play a leading role in strengthening India’s UAV capabilities in all the sectors.
Dheya Engineering Technologies Private Limited, a Bangalore-based DeepTech startup, has demonstrated core competencies in gas turbine engines and thermal propulsion technologies. Its DET-500 engine is one of the first Indian-made turbojet engines in its class and is poised to power a new generation of fast, agile, and mission-flexible UAV platforms.
“We believe this collaboration will be a game-changer for India’s drone and defense ecosystem,” said Gurushankara KC, CEO at Dheya Engineering Technologies Private Limited, while interacting with Defence XP. “Combining our propulsion technology with NextLeap’s UAV expertise creates a synergy that can redefine performance and agility for defence UAVs.”
Towards Indigenous Defence Innovation
This strategic MoU aligns with the Indian government’s push toward building a self-reliant defense manufacturing ecosystem under initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, Startup India, and iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence). With increasing demand for indigenous UAV solutions in both offensive and support roles, this partnership aims to provide the Indian Armed Forces with cutting-edge, homegrown alternatives to imported systems.
By developing platforms like kamikaze drones and loyal wingman systems, the collaboration also addresses critical gaps in India’s unmanned combat air systems (UCAS) capabilities—ensuring faster deployment, enhanced mission flexibility, and real-time adaptability in dynamic battlefield conditions.
Looking Ahead
The joint development program is set to begin with prototype integration and testing of the DET-500 engine on NextLeap’s drone platforms, followed by iterative design enhancements and flight trials. The companies also intend to explore opportunities for global export and collaboration with key defense stakeholders and research institutions.
This MoU represents not just a partnership between two startups—but a vision for the future of Indian aerospace, driven by innovation, resilience, and a commitment to national security.
