Paras Defence and Space Technologies Ltd. has formed a joint venture with Israel-based HevenDrones to produce hydrogen-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in India. The new entity, named “Paras Heven Drones India,” will focus on logistics drones with payload capacities ranging from 10 kg to 40 kg, targeting both defence and civilian markets.
The 51:49 partnership, with Paras Defence holding the majority stake, aims to bring HevenDrones’ portfolio of advanced drone technologies to India under the Make-in-India initiative. An initial investment of approximately USD 1 million is planned for infrastructure development and test equipment. The companies will manufacture a significant portion of the systems in India to meet local sourcing norms, while importing critical components from Israel. This approach is expected to make the drones at least 20 percent more cost-effective compared to manufacturing entirely in Israel.
The venture will locally design, produce, and supply drones using HevenDrones’ proprietary hydrogen-powered platforms. The drones will be suited for deployment in logistics operations across remote and high-altitude areas, as well as tactical surveillance and border operations. Production and delivery are expected to begin immediately, with the systems already validated.
HevenDrones will transfer intellectual property, production documentation, working prototypes, and provide training, while Paras Defence will oversee manufacturing, compliance, sales, and delivery. Governance will be managed by a board with representatives from both companies, who will jointly appoint a CEO, CFO, and COO.
“This JV enables us to deliver world-class Made in India drone systems for local and global markets,” said Munjal Sharad Shah, Managing Director of Paras Defence and Space Technologies Ltd.
“This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our roadmap as we work to ensure an allied global business footprint,” said Bentzion Levinson, CEO of Heven. “Paras Defence brings unmatched engineering capabilities, manufacturing infrastructure and deep knowledge of India’s defence ecosystem.”
The immediate focus will be the Indian defence and homeland security sectors, with potential for export expansion after domestic operations are established.
Paras Defence and Space Technologies Ltd. is an Indian defence engineering company engaged in optics, optronics, defence electronics, EMP protection, and heavy engineering. The company supports a range of strategic applications across land, naval, air, and space platforms, and serves clients such as DRDO, ISRO, BEL, and the Ministry of Defence. Paras operates manufacturing facilities in Nerul and Ambernath, and maintains R&D and sales operations in multiple Indian cities.