BonV Aero, an emerging aerospace and defence technology startup from Odisha, has achieved a significant national milestone by receiving the SIDM Champion Award (Special Jury) under Category 1 – Technology/Product Innovation to Address Defence Capabilities Gap. The award was presented by Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh to Mr. Satyabrata Satapathy, Co-Founder & CEO of BonV Aero, who dedicated the honour to the Nation and the Armed Forces.

Instituted by the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), the Champion Awards celebrate excellence in indigenous defence manufacturing and innovation. BonV Aero was recognised for its pioneering work in developing high-altitude, heavy-payload, and autonomous aerial systems, built entirely in India.

The company’s cutting-edge technologies—spanning indigenous propulsion systems, rugged airframes, and autonomous flight intelligence—have redefined the capabilities of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). These systems are designed to perform complex tactical missions, ensure rapid mobility, and operate independently in challenging and high-threat environments.

As the only startup from Odisha to receive this prestigious recognition, BonV Aero’s success marks a proud moment for the state’s deep-tech and defence innovation ecosystem. Its work demonstrates how advanced design, engineering precision, and mission-ready reliability can combine to serve the logistics and tactical needs of India’s Armed Forces.

“This recognition from SIDM and the Ministry of Defence is a proud moment not just for BonV Aero, but for Odisha’s entire innovation community,” said Mr. Satyabrata Satapathy, Co-Founder & CEO, BonV Aero. “It reinforces our belief that India’s defence strength lies in indigenous innovation. Our systems are designed to perform where it matters most—from high-altitude frontiers to rapid-response tactical environments.”

The Awards Jury, chaired by Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy, Former Chairman of DRDO and Scientific Adviser to the Raksha Mantri, comprised distinguished experts including Dr. Prahlada Ramarao (Padma Shri), Air Marshal Anil Chopra (Retd.), Vice Admiral S.K.N. Ghormade (Retd.), and Maj. Gen. P.K. Saini (Retd.), among others.

Endorsed by Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, the SIDM Champion Awards recognise innovation, self-reliance, and industry–Armed Forces collaboration. With this achievement, BonV Aero further cements its position as one of India’s leading deep-tech OEMs, contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and defining the next generation of autonomous, high-performance aerial systems.