Hyderabad: AKSI Aerospace Group on January 28, announced the launch of its cargo drone, Skyshipper, at Wings India 2026. The platform was unveiled by Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, at the civil aviation exhibition being held in Hyderabad from January 28 to 31.
The launch marks a significant milestone for India’s cargo drone and advanced aerial logistics ecosystem. Skyshipper is positioned as an industry-ready unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for commercial, medical, and industrial logistics applications.
Skyshipper has been developed under Slatup Cargo, the cargo drone division of AKSI Aerospace Group, as part of the company’s Make in India initiative. The multi-rotor UAV is engineered for advanced logistics missions, with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of approximately 52 kg, including a payload capacity of up to 30 kg. It offers a flight endurance of up to 45 minutes, enabling extended-range operations with high efficiency.
Built using aerospace-grade carbon fibre composites and precision-engineered aluminium from AKSI’s composite manufacturing arm, Roboclave Smart AI Composite Technologies, the platform combines lightweight construction with structural strength, ensuring reliable performance in demanding operating environments.
According to the company, Skyshipper is equipped with its proprietary KKA Autopilot, developed in-house, which powers navigation and flight control. The platform features logistics-mode firmware with geo-fencing, dynamic load-aware flight limits, and redundant safety constraints, ensuring secure and DGCA-compliant cargo operations.
The drone is powered by Dual smart lithium-ion battery packs (14S, 40,000 Ah) with real-time telemetry, developed by LiHi Smart Batteries, an AKSI Aerospace Group company. The integrated battery management system enhances flight safety, reliability, and operational predictability, the company said.
Commenting on the launch, Pankaj Akula, Group Managing Director, AKSI Aerospace Group, said the Skyshipper reflects the company’s focus on indigenous, end-to-end UAV development.
“Skyshipper represents our vision of building a fully indigenous cargo drone platform that is reliable, scalable, and aligned with India’s regulatory framework. By developing critical technologies such as autopilot systems and smart battery management in-house, we are addressing the core requirements of safety, performance, and operational efficiency for the future of aerial logistics in India,” he said.
He added that cargo drones are expected to play an increasingly important role in strengthening supply chains, enabling faster deliveries, and supporting last-mile connectivity across sectors such as healthcare, e-commerce, infrastructure, and industrial logistics.
AKSI Aerospace Group operates as a vertically integrated UAV manufacturing ecosystem, with in-house capabilities spanning design, engineering, advanced materials, precision manufacturing, and final integration. The Group operates a combined R&D and manufacturing facility spanning over one lakh square feet and is on track to achieve a turnover of ₹20 crore in the current financial year.
The company has outlined an investment plan of ₹170–200 crore over the next three years to expand manufacturing capacity, strengthen research and development, and scale indigenous UAV platforms. Of this, ₹20 crore has already been invested, with multiple manufacturing facilities operational during the current financial year.
With the launch of Skyshipper, AKSI Aerospace Group aims to contribute to the next phase of growth in India’s cargo drone industry, supporting both domestic deployment and future global opportunities.
