Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has partnered with IIT
Kanpur–incubated deep-tech startup Maraal Aerospace by executing a Share Subscription and Shareholders Agreement (SSSHA) at India Energy Week (IEW) 2026 in Goa on 29 January 2026. The collaboration marks a significant step toward strengthening India’s clean-energy and aerospace innovation ecosystem.
HPCL Invests ₹2 Crore Under ‘HP Udgam’ Initiative
Under HPCL’s Startup Support Initiative, HP Udgam, the company is investing ₹2 crore in Maraal Aerospace. Through this investment, HPCL aims to accelerate product development, testing, and system validation. As a result, the partnership will enable faster product realization and scalable deployment of next-generation clean-energy UAV platforms.
India’s First Solar-Powered Long-Endurance Drone
Maraal Aerospace is developing India’s first solar-powered long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) powered by clean-energy propulsion. The platform integrates high-efficiency aerodynamics with solar-assisted electric propulsion. Consequently, the drone delivers up to 12 hours of endurance, a 150 km one-way operational range, and a service ceiling of up to 6 km above mean sea level, while maintaining low operating costs and reduced logistical dependence. As per the press release, this innovation represents a major advancement in sustainable aerospace technologies for both defence and civilian use.
Enabling Critical Defence and Civilian Applications
The UAV platform will significantly enhance India’s defence preparedness and critical civilian operations. Specifically, it will support border and maritime surveillance, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, infrastructure and asset inspections, and disaster management operations.
Future Roadmap: Extended Endurance and High-Altitude Platforms
Looking ahead, Maraal Aerospace plans to develop a solar-plus-hydrogen hybrid variant targeting 24-hour endurance. In addition, the company envisions a future High-Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) platform capable of conducting missions exceeding 90 days, further expanding India’s strategic aerial capabilities.
