A demonstration of “Varuna” was held at the Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Seminar in July 2022. It can transport various cargo, including liquids, machinery and people up to 130 kg.

Photo Credit : @SagarDefence/Twitter,

The Indian Navy will soon induct the first human-carrying drone, called “Varuna,” manufactured by Pune-based startup Sagar Defence Engineering Private Ltd.

A demonstration of this personal air vehicle and an autonomous multi-copter drone was held at the Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Seminar in July this year.

The manufacturer of the drone claims that it is capable of transporting a variety of cargo, including liquids, machinery and people, by using a standardised payload attachment. It can go 25 km in about 30 minutes and carry payloads up to 130 kg.

The drone was created for the Indian Navy by Captain Nikunj Parashar, co-founder of Sagar Defence Engineering, along with Babbar and Lakshay Dang. According to its co-founder, the main goal of this drone is to create a homegrown technology that can be used to protect frontline soldiers on the battlefield and improve national surveillance and security.

According to Babbar, the company's initial concerns with the project were the required funding and clearances, but it received assistance from the Navy, the iDEX team and the Ministry of Defence, who connected the manufacturer's team with Mazgaon Dockyard Limited for funding.

Numerous advantages come with using this passenger drone, including the ability to evacuate victims of car accidents, serve as an air ambulance in rural areas and serve as an air taxi in major cities, according to the company.