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India-based drone developer EndureAir Systems has secured ₹30.01 crore ($3.6 million) in government-backed funding to accelerate development of its SABAL-200 heavy-lift unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), aimed at defence and industrial logistics operations.
The funding has been awarded under the Government of India’s Research and Development Initiative (RDI) programme, supported by the Department of Science and Technology and the Technology Development Board. The company said it is the first drone manufacturer to receive support under the initiative’s initial cohort.
EndureAir plans to use the capital for research and development, technology upgrades, manufacturing expansion and field-testing infrastructure as it advances the SABAL-200 platform from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 to TRL 9, the stage associated with deployment-ready systems.
The SABAL-200 is being developed as a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone capable of carrying payloads of up to 200 kg across a range of 200 km, with an endurance of approximately 2.5 hours. The platform combines a tandem-rotor design with a turbocharged internal combustion engine to support long-distance heavy-lift missions in remote and difficult terrain.
The project represents a significant scale-up from EndureAir’s earlier SABAL-series drones, including the SABAL-20 and SABAL-40 platforms that have already been deployed for logistics and surveillance missions in high-altitude regions.
Founded in 2018 and incubated at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, EndureAir focuses on unmanned aerial systems for logistics, defence and infrastructure support. The company manufactures its platforms in-house and has positioned its products for operations in areas where conventional transport access is limited.
Industry observers view the development as part of India’s broader effort to strengthen domestic aerospace and autonomous logistics capabilities, particularly in military supply operations and remote infrastructure support.
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India-based drone developer EndureAir Systems has secured ₹30.01 crore ($3.6 million) in government-backed funding to accelerate development of its SABAL-200 heavy-lift unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), aimed at defence and industrial logistics operations. The funding has been awarded under the Government of India’s Research and Development Initiative (RDI) programme, supported by the Department of Science and Technology and the Technology Development Board. The company said it is the first drone manufacturer to receive support under the initiative’s initial cohort. EndureAir plans to use the capital for research and development, technology upgrades, manufacturing expansion and field-testing infrastructure as it advances the SABAL-200 platform from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 to TRL 9, the stage associated with deployment-ready systems. The SABAL-200 is being developed as a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone capable of carrying payloads of up to 200 kg across a range of 200 km, with an endurance of approximately 2.5 hours. The platform combines a tandem-rotor design with a turbocharged internal combustion engine to support long-distance heavy-lift missions in remote and difficult terrain. The project represents a significant scale-up from EndureAir’s earlier SABAL-series drones, including the SABAL-20 and SABAL-40 platforms that have already been deployed for logistics and surveillance missions in high-altitude regions. Founded in 2018 and incubated at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, EndureAir focuses on unmanned aerial systems for logistics, defence and infrastructure support. The company manufactures its platforms in-house and has positioned its products for operations in areas where conventional transport access is limited. Industry observers view the development as part of India’s broader effort to strengthen domestic aerospace and autonomous logistics capabilities, particularly in military supply operations and remote infrastructure support. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
As per its Annual Report 2025-26, NITI Aayog, in collaboration with multiple union ministries, is working toward strengthening PPP (Public-Private Partnership) frameworks for several key infrastructure projects, including multimodal logistics parks, mega railway station redevelopment and renovation, and state-of-the-art integrated sports complexes. One of the primary focuses is to upgrade and revise the model concession agreement for multimodal logistics parks being developed alongside the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and National Highways Logistics Management Limited. The revised structure is aimed at improving investor confidence and making projects more financially sustainable and easier to implement. The revised agreement is undergoing considerable consultations to enhance project viability, bankability, and bring participation from private developers. The much-awaited move is likely to support the government’s wider logistics upgradation programme aimed at cutting transportation costs and significantly improving freight movement efficiency across India. The policy think tank has also been assisting the Union Ministry of Railways in evaluating redevelopment proposals for Andhra Pradesh's Vijayawada railway station. According to the report, the redevelopment proposals involve modernising railway station infrastructure on brownfield sites and creating commercial development opportunities connected to the stations. The think tank indicated that the projects were planned to maximise revenue from the land linked to the railway stations. The Annual report of NITI Aayog also mentioned that the railway station redevelopment projects have received initial approval and are now at the bidding stage. Separately, NITI Aayog stated that it has worked with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to prepare a concept paper for a proposed concession framework for integrated sports stadium developments under the public-private partnership model. The proposed framework is meant to be implemented on a design, build, finance, operate, and transfer basis. It aims to help create multi-use sports stadiums that meet international standards with the participation of the private sector. For more such news and updates, visit CARGOCONNECT.
Dubai-based DP World and Abu Dhabi agribusiness Al Dahra Holding have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop integrated agri-logistics and food supply chain infrastructure across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), as regional governments intensify efforts to improve food security. The agreement focuses on building end-to-end logistics capabilities for the movement, storage and distribution of food and agricultural commodities. The companies will evaluate investments in port infrastructure, cold chain facilities, warehousing and agri-food processing hubs across the GCC, with a particular focus on Abu Dhabi. The partnership comes amid continued reliance on imported food across the Gulf region. Industry estimates indicate that the UAE imports nearly 85–90% of its food requirements, increasing pressure on governments and supply chain operators to strengthen sourcing and distribution networks. Under the proposed collaboration, DP World will contribute its global logistics and port network, while Al Dahra will provide agricultural sourcing, production and procurement expertise. The companies also plan to explore dedicated infrastructure for handling grains, fresh produce and processed food products, including temperature-controlled logistics systems for perishable cargo. The agreement further includes plans to examine new sourcing corridors spanning Africa, Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Americas as Gulf countries seek to diversify food import routes and reduce exposure to supply disruptions. In addition to physical infrastructure, the two companies said they would assess digital supply chain tools such as cargo traceability platforms and smart logistics systems aimed at improving shipment visibility and operational efficiency. Regulatory coordination on food safety standards and customs procedures is also expected to form part of the collaboration. The proposed partnership reflects a broader trend across the Middle East, where logistics operators, ports and agribusiness firms are increasing investments in food supply resilience following recent global trade disruptions and rising concerns over supply chain security. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
