Baishali Mukherjee

IIT Kharagpur is all set to build fully functional drones in the research lab of the institute. IIT Kharagpur has taken this special endeavor to primarily strengthen India’s defense capabilities. In doing so the institute has partnered with the renowned drone manufacturing company Weevils Drones from Odisha. 

On February 12, the formal inauguration of the drone manufacturing factory took place on the campus under the institute’s ‘STEP’ program . IIT Kharagpur’s ‘STEP’ program was established with the specific goal of working towards continuous innovation. Professor Khinindranath Pathak, Managing Director of ‘STEP’, along with Siddhartha Sarkar, Director of WeVils Drones, and Ashis Saha, CEO, WeVils Drones were present on the occasion. Instead of just assembling parts imported from abroad, the factory will produce advanced and modern drones that will operate on petrol, methanol, or battery.

Scientists and researchers of STEP, along with professors and students from IIT Kharagpur, will assist citizens or organizations in the country by providing scientific and technological support. An MoU has already been signed between STEP and WeVils in this regard.

Siddhartha Sarkar, Director of WeVils Drones, said, “Currently, the use of drones is increasing not only in the defense sector but also in agriculture, firefighting, and other critical sectors of the country. The aim is to provide the people of the country with drones equipped with advanced technology at the right price. IIT Kharagpur will offer scientific and technological support in this regard. In fact, no part of these drones will need to be imported from abroad.”

The CEO of the company, Ashis Saha, said, “Since November 2024, there have been multiple rounds of discussions with IIT Kharagpur on this matter. Now, that initiative has been implemented. We have committed to offering drones at affordable or reasonable prices based on the needs of the people of the country.”

Professor Pathak, MD of STEP, stated, “WeVils is one of the most reliable drone manufacturing companies in the country. The idea behind the partnership is to create more advanced technology drones.”