New Delhi: Students and alumni of Lovely Professional University (LPU) have transformed campus innovation into a defence-tech venture, founding ASTRA Drones & Robotics Solutions Pvt. Ltd. to build indigenous unmanned aerial systems for defence, surveillance, disaster response, and industry.
The startup by Siddharth Kushwaha, Anirban Sarkar, and Sarthak Gaira, grew out of their work in LPU’s Renovation Tech Robotics and Aeromodelling (RTRA) Club, where they led drone projects, mentored peers, and won recognition at national competitions hosted by IITs and NITs. Their expertise deepened through collaboration with the Indian Army’s Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME), contributing to surveillance and kamikaze drone development.
ASTRA’s portfolio now includes FPV drones, VTOL drones, training UAVs, and customised platforms.
In April 2026, the company was incubated at IIT Ropar’s Technology Business Incubator Foundation (TBIF), gaining access to mentoring and advanced infrastructure.
Its flagship innovation is the Counter-UAS Interceptor Drone System, a high-speed indigenous platform designed to detect and neutralize hostile drones — a step toward strengthening India’s counter-drone capabilities and advancing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
“Nothing is more fulfilling than seeing our students apply their knowledge for the nation. ASTRA is a strong example of how education, innovation and real-world exposure can empower young minds,” said Dr Ashok Kumar Mittal, Founder Chancellor, LPU.
Co-founder Siddharth Kushwaha added, “Our experience at LPU gave us the opportunity to work hands-on with drones and defence technology. This exposure encouraged us to build indigenous solutions that address real operational requirements.”
As LPU celebrates 25 years, ASTRA’s journey underscores the university’s push for student-led innovation and its growing role in India’s defence-tech ecosystem.
Flagship Innovation
ASTRA’s Counter-UAS Interceptor Drone System is designed to neutralize hostile unmanned aerial systems (UAS) with speed, precision, and indigenous engineering.
Technical Features
- High-Speed Pursuit: Engineered for rapid acceleration and agile maneuvering to chase and intercept enemy drones mid-flight.
- Detection & Tracking: Equipped with advanced sensors and AI-driven algorithms for real-time identification of aerial threats.
- Interceptor Payloads: Modular design allows integration of kinetic or electronic countermeasures depending on mission requirements.
- Indigenous Engineering: Built entirely with local expertise and components, reducing reliance on imported systems.
- Scalable Modularity: Configurable for defence forces, homeland security, and critical infrastructure protection.