LAT Aerospace Acquires Defense Robotics Startup Sharang Shakti
LAT Aerospace has acquired Gurgaon-based defense robotics startup Sharang Shakti. The acquisition is intended to build shared technology for autonomy, sensing, and navigation applicable to both civil and defense aviation. The move was described as LAT's "first move toward indigenous defence."
- Sharang Shakti's counter-UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) technology includes two distinct interceptor models: the "hantR," which uses a net to capture drones, and the "vajR," a kinetic-kill vehicle designed to physically strike and neutralize threats. The vajR interceptor is designed to be reusable, featuring a Kevlar-reinforced dome to protect its critical components upon impact. - The startup's sensor fusion and control systems are developed in-house. Their interceptor drones use a proprietary control system for enhanced maneuverability and leverage deep neural networks for target acquisition and low-latency tracking. - For target detection, Sharang Shakti is developing its own low C-SWaP (Cost, Size, Weight, and Power) radar systems specifically designed to detect low-RCS (Radar Cross-Section) targets like small drones. The 'vajR' interceptor also utilizes an onboard electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor for terminal guidance and tracking, which is effective in both day and night operations. - The acquisition provides LAT Aerospace with expertise in defense electronics and aerospace-grade control technologies, which it plans to integrate vertically. This move is intended to give the company tighter control over its intellectual property and system integration for both its civil and future defense projects. - LAT Aerospace is developing an 8-seater, hybrid-electric Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft designed to operate from compact "air-stops" rather than traditional airports. The company is targeting a high lift coefficient and using distributed propulsion to achieve ultra-short take-offs. - The company is actively hiring for its "Perception & Autonomy" team with roles such as "Embedded Software Developer – Autopilot, Sensors & Realtime Imaging" and "Electronic Design Engineer – Autopilot & Edge Perception Hardware," indicating a focus on developing these capabilities internally. - This acquisition is part of a broader trend in the Indian defense technology sector, which saw a significant increase in funding, reaching a peak of $247 million in 2025.
