Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has partnered with Maraal Aerospace, an IIT Kanpur-incubated startup, to advance clean-energy UAV technology. HPCL will invest ₹2 crores in Maraal Aerospace’s solar-powered long-endurance drone, which can fly for up to 12 hours. This partnership aims to strengthen India’s innovation in clean-energy and deep-tech and will support the development of next-generation UAV platforms.
Clean Energy UAV Collaboration
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has signed a Share Subscription and Shareholders Agreement (SSSHA) with Maraal Aerospace at IEW 2026, Goa, on January 29, 2026. This collaboration aims to boost the development of clean-energy and deep-tech aerospace solutions in India.
HPCL’s Investment in Innovation
Under HPCL’s Startup Support Initiative ‘HP Udgam’, HPCL is investing ₹2 crores in the startup Maraal Aerospace. The investment is earmarked for accelerating product development, testing, and system validation, facilitating quicker product realization and scaling.
Maraal Aerospace’s Solar-Powered Drone
Maraal Aerospace is currently developing India’s First Solar-Powered Long endurance Drone. This drone combines high-efficiency aerodynamics with solar-assisted electric propulsion, offering flight endurance of up to 12 hours. It has a one-way range of 150 km and a service ceiling of up to 6 Km above Mean Sea Level. It is designed to provide both low operating costs and reduced logistical dependence.
Applications and Future Developments
The drone is intended to enhance India’s defense and critical civilian applications. It will be valuable for border and maritime surveillance, ISR missions, infrastructure and asset inspection, and disaster management operations. The company’s roadmap includes a Solar + Hydrogen hybrid variant targeting 24-hour endurance and a future High Altitude Pseudo Satellite platform capable of missions exceeding 90 days.
Source: BSE
