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In a significant move to enhance India's aerospace and defence capabilities, the Noida-based Roter Group of Companies has entered into a strategic Technology Transfer (ToT) agreement with Quantum Systems GmbH of Germany.
The partnership, officially announced on July 25, 2025, will facilitate the domestic manufacturing of next-generation Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), directly supporting the nation's "Make in India" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) initiatives.
This collaboration is largely driven by India's increasing focus on indigenous defence production, a need highlighted by the successful use of locally made drones during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
Following the operation, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan emphasized the critical importance of self-reliance in unmanned systems to strengthen national security.
This agreement is seen as a direct response to that call, aiming to equip India’s armed forces with advanced surveillance and reconnaissance technology without depending on foreign suppliers.
The partnership brings together two experienced entities.
The Roter Group, operating since 1936 through its subsidiary Ansari Precision Instruments Pvt. Ltd., is a well-established name in India’s aerospace and survey industries, with expertise in geospatial intelligence and engineering.
Quantum Systems, based in Gilching, Germany, is a globally recognized leader in developing advanced electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) fixed-wing drones, which combine the vertical lift capability of a helicopter with the long-range flight efficiency of an airplane.
Under the agreement, the Roter Group will manufacture Quantum Systems’ state-of-the-art UAVs, including the Trinity Pro, Vector, and Scorpion models. These platforms are designed for high-endurance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
The Vector/Scorpion platform, for instance, can fly for up to three hours and can be configured as either a fixed-wing plane or a multi-rotor copter. A key feature of these UAVs is their onboard Artificial Intelligence (AI) and edge computing capabilities, allowing for real-time data analysis directly on the drone.
Manufacturing will be established at the Roter Group's facilities in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
A primary objective of the partnership is to achieve a high level of indigenous content, with a target of 80–90% of components being locally sourced or manufactured.
This plan aligns with the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Development cum Production Partner (DcPP) program, which encourages private Indian companies to participate in defence projects from the initial design phase.
This initiative also supports the DRDO 2.0 strategy, which aims to shift the organisation’s focus towards futuristic technologies like AI, quantum systems, and directed energy weapons, while transferring the production of mature systems to the private sector.
By building these UAVs in India, the country can develop, upgrade, and maintain its own fleet, tailored specifically to its diverse operational terrains and strategic requirements.
To ensure long-term operational readiness and support for both defence and commercial clients, the agreement also includes the establishment of an after-sales service and support centre in Hyderabad.
This comprehensive approach, from local production to lifecycle support, marks a pivotal step in building a robust and self-reliant ecosystem for advanced drone technology in India.
