Deepinder Goyal-backed aerospace startup LAT Aerospace has acquired Gurugram-based defence robotics startup Sharang Shakti, marking its first strategic move into defence technology development.
Founded in January 2025 by Goyal and former Zomato COO Surobhi Das, LAT Aerospace initially focused on developing next-generation Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft designed to operate from compact “air-stops” instead of traditional airports. The company has been positioning itself as an innovator in regional aviation, with ambitions to make air travel more accessible and affordable across India.
Sharang Shakti, established in 2023, specialises in defence robotics with a focus on aerial threat mitigation systems such as anti-drone detection and interceptor technologies. By bringing the startup into its fold, LAT Aerospace gains access to expertise in autonomous robotics, sensing, and real-time control systems technologies that are increasingly relevant for both advanced defence applications and future aerospace platforms.
Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed by either party. Industry analysts say the move reflects a rising trend among Indian deep-tech companies to pursue dual-use technologies that serve both defence and civil aviation, a key priority in the country’s ongoing push for technological self-reliance.
Goyal described the deal as “our first move toward building indigenous defence capabilities alongside our long-term mission of developing next-generation civil aviation platforms from India.” He highlighted the technological overlap between civil aviation and defence especially in areas like autonomy, sensing, navigation and control systems and said the acquisition would allow LAT Aerospace to build these critical capabilities internally rather than relying on external suppliers. “Slowly but surely,” he added, the company plans to deploy such capabilities across both defence and civil programmes.
Link to the post:
LAT Aerospace has acquired Sharang Shakti, an early-stage defence robotics startup based in Gurgaon.
This is our first move toward building indigenous defence capabilities alongside our long-term mission of developing next-generation civil aviation platforms from India.
Civil… pic.twitter.com/10svmd25sg
— Deepinder Goyal (@deepigoyal) February 24, 2026
Goyal recently stepped down as Group CEO of Eternal, the parent entity of Zomato and Blinkit to pursue higher-risk innovation projects, including LAT Aerospace and other ventures. His transition to Vice Chairman at Eternal provides him greater freedom to focus on emerging technology sectors.
