By Tejasvi Singh Nandal, Director of Sales and Business Development, BonV Aero
The world is on the cusp of a mobility revolution, and at BonV Aero, we’re steering the course from our hub in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Since our founding in March 2021, we’ve been driven by a singular vision: to make aerial mobility accessible to all, powered by indigenous innovation. Specialising in Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) platforms and heavy-payload unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), we’re redefining how goods, services, and security are delivered in the most challenging environments—be it the towering heights of the Himalayas or the chaos of a disaster zone. At BonV Aero, we don’t just build drones; we build solutions that change lives.
Engineering Excellence for a Connected World
From our 32,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility, a team of over 60 engineers and experts—each with more than a decade of experience in aerospace, autonomous systems, and advanced technology—pushes the boundaries of what’s possible. Our heavy-lift drones, capable of carrying up to 20 kilograms, are already operational at altitudes between 14,000 and 17,000 feet AMSL, delivering critical supplies and intelligence in high-altitude regions. We’ve also showcased a 50-kilogram payload drone to the Indian Army at 6,500 feet AMSL, proving our technology’s reliability in mission-critical scenarios.
Our crowning achievement came when we entered the International Book of Records for a hover flight at 19,024 feet (5,799 metres) with a 30-kilogram payload. This drone, entirely developed in-house, features advanced self-flying technology and beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) capabilities, with a maximum take-off weight of 100 kilograms. It’s a testament to our commitment to precision, endurance, and innovation, setting a new standard for aerial mobility solutions.
Drones in Defense: A Game-Changer for National Security
Drones have become indispensable in modern defence systems, as vividly demonstrated during India’s Operation Sindoor, where UAVs played a pivotal role in surveillance, reconnaissance, and rapid response in challenging terrains. Globally, from conflict zones in Ukraine to border patrols in the Middle East, drones have proven their worth by providing real-time intelligence, reducing risks to personnel, and enabling precise strikes. For a nation, investing in advanced drone technology—like BonV Aero’s high-altitude, heavy-payload UAVs—means stronger situational awareness, faster logistics, and enhanced operational efficiency. In an era of asymmetric warfare, a robust drone arsenal equips a country to respond swiftly and decisively, bolstering national security and strategic dominance.
Drones in Disaster Response: A Lifeline in Crisis
Beyond defence, drones are rewriting the playbook for disaster response. A recent landslide rescue operation in Sikkim demonstrated their transformative potential. A ground-penetrating radar (GPR) drone was deployed to scan debris in remote, high-altitude terrain, detecting two buried anomalies at depths of 0.76 metres and 0.015 metres, later confirmed as human remains. By transmitting real-time data to ground teams, the drone enabled precise excavation, minimising the need for risky manual searches. This mission underscored the power of UAVs to operate in harsh conditions, delivering speed, accuracy, and safety in time-sensitive emergencies. Such capabilities highlight how aerial mobility can save lives when every second counts.
Strategic Sales and Business Development: Bridging Innovation and Impact
As Director of Sales and Business Development, my mission is to ensure BonV Aero’s innovations reach the right hands—whether they belong to logistics providers, defence forces, or humanitarian organisations. Our sales strategy is grounded in three key pillars:
1. Tailored Solutions for Real-World Needs: We work closely with clients to customise our UAVs for specific use cases, from delivering medical supplies in remote areas to supporting military reconnaissance. By aligning our technology with customer goals, we deliver measurable outcomes, like reduced delivery times or enhanced mission success rates.
2. Building Strategic Alliances: The global drone market is diverse, with unique demands across regions. We’re forging partnerships with logistics companies, defence contractors, and governments to co-create solutions that scale. These collaborations not only expand our market presence but also ensure our drones are adaptable to local challenges, from urban congestion to rural inaccessibility.
3. Scaling for the Future: With the global drone market projected to hit $100 billion by 2030, we’re positioning BonV Aero to lead this growth. Our focus is on scaling operations to meet demand in emerging sectors like smart city logistics and disaster relief, while exploring new markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America where infrastructure gaps make drones a game-changer.
Addressing the Industry’s Untapped Opportunities
The aerial mobility sector is brimming with potential, but it’s not without challenges. One overlooked issue is the need for standardised global regulations. Varying rules on BVLOS operations and payload limits can hinder scalability. At BonV Aero, we’re engaging with policymakers to advocate for harmonised frameworks that prioritise safety without stifling innovation. Another critical area is data security. As drones become integral to defence and logistics, protecting sensitive information is paramount. We’re investing in secure communication systems to ensure our UAVs are trusted tools in high-stakes environments.
Sustainability is another conversation that deserves more attention. Drones can reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional transport, but only if designed with efficiency in mind. We’re exploring eco-friendly materials and electric propulsion systems to make our drones as sustainable as they are powerful, aligning with global goals for a greener future.
Charting the Path Ahead
At BonV Aero, our vision goes beyond technology—it’s about impact. We’re working toward a world where drones deliver life-saving medicines to remote villages, provide real-time intelligence to soldiers in the field, and make urban logistics faster and cleaner. Our next-generation UAVs, with enhanced autonomy and greater payload capacities, are already in development, and we’re committed to making Odisha a global hub for aerial mobility innovation.
As we soar into the future, we carry the pride of building solutions that are not just cutting-edge but deeply human, designed to connect, protect, and empower communities worldwide. The skies are calling, and BonV Aero is answering with innovation, purpose, and a relentless drive to make aerial mobility a reality for all.
Tejasvi Nandal is the Director of Sales and Business Development at BonV Aero, a Bhubaneswar-based leader in aerial mobility, dedicated to transforming logistics, defence, and disaster response through indigenous drone technology.
