New Venture Launched
Aequs Limited has officially entered the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sector by forming a new joint venture named Ajna Aerospace & Defence Private Limited. This strategic move involves a partnership with Accel India VIII (Mauritius) Ltd and Vagus Defence Tech & Aerospace Fund I.
Objectives and Scope
The primary goal of Ajna Aerospace & Defence is to build a comprehensive UAV business. This includes sourcing and acquiring intellectual property (IP) from international licensors, developing proprietary IP within India, and managing the full lifecycle of UAVs from manufacturing and assembly to testing and marketing for both domestic and global markets.
Partnership Structure
Under the joint venture agreement, Aequs, Accel India, and Vagus Defence will hold equal shareholding. Each partner has secured specific rights, such as rights of first offer and refusal, and will appoint one director to the board of the new entity. The transaction was confirmed as an arm's length deal.
Strategic Rationale
This initiative marks a significant push by Aequs into defence and aerospace technology. It establishes a structured framework for IP acquisition, product development, and international market outreach. Aequs, already a key player in the aerospace segment which accounts for approximately 89% of its FY25 revenue, supplies critical components for major aircraft programs like the Airbus A320 and Boeing B737. Its expertise in precision manufacturing is expected to be a cornerstone of the new UAV venture.