HPCL Forms Strategic Alliance with Maraal Aerospace to Boost India’s Clean-Energy UAV Development
On January 29, 2026, in a significant development at the International Energy Week (IEW) in Goa, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) announced a new partnership with Maraal Aerospace, a deep-tech startup incubated at IIT Kanpur. This collaboration is set to propel India’s clean-energy initiatives, particularly in the aerospace sector.
During the event, HPCL signed a Share Subscription and Shareholders Agreement (SSSHA) with Maraal Aerospace. This agreement is part of HPCL’s Startup Support Initiative ‘HP Udgam’, under which HPCL will invest Rs. 2 crores into Maraal Aerospace. The investment aims to fast-track the development, testing, and validation of new technologies, thereby speeding up the commercialization and scale-up of these innovations.
Maraal Aerospace’s Pioneering Clean-Energy UAV
Maraal Aerospace is at the forefront of developing India’s first solar-powered long-endurance drone. This UAV is designed to operate with solar-assisted electric propulsion, which provides up to 12 hours of endurance and a one-way range of 150 kilometers. It can also reach a service ceiling of 6 kilometers above Mean Sea Level. The combination of high-efficiency aerodynamics and clean-energy propulsion results in lower operating costs and reduced dependency on logistical support.
The drone is envisioned to play a crucial role in various critical sectors, enhancing capabilities in defense and civilian fields alike. Applications include border and maritime surveillance, infrastructure inspections, disaster management, and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
Future Innovations and Goals
Looking ahead, Maraal Aerospace plans to expand its UAV technology with a Solar + Hydrogen hybrid variant that could achieve up to 24-hour endurance. Furthermore, the company is exploring the development of a High Altitude Pseudo Satellite platform, aiming for mission durations that could exceed 90 days.
Through this strategic partnership, HPCL demonstrates its commitment to nurturing and advancing India’s indigenous innovation landscape, particularly in the realms of clean energy and deep-tech industries.
This initiative not only marks a progressive step towards sustainable aerospace technology but also aligns with broader national interests in strengthening security and operational capabilities across various sectors.
