Deepinder Goyal Launches India’s First Electric UAV Prototype

Zomato co-founder Deepinder Goyal introduced a groundbreaking fully-electric unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on November 13, 2025. This prototype marks a significant milestone for his new aerospace venture, LAT Aerospace. Developed entirely in India, this UAV is the first major prototype from LAT Aerospace, which aims to redefine short-haul air travel.

The UAV, referred to as a “uSTOL technology demonstrator,” was engineered from the ground up within a few months. Founded in January 2025 by Goyal and Surobhi Das, LAT Aerospace is focused on creating a new generation of Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft. These aircraft are designed to operate from compact air-stops instead of traditional airports, enhancing accessibility and efficiency in regional aviation.

Goyal announced the UAV’s readiness for flight on social media, sharing images and videos of the aircraft. He emphasized that the demonstrator can take off in just 40 meters, thanks to its impressive high lift coefficient (CL) of 5, which is more than twice that of most conventional aircraft. Additionally, it boasts an endurance of 60 minutes and the capability to autonomously cruise between Mumbai and Pune. This advancement represents a notable leap in short-haul aerial mobility technology.

To facilitate this achievement, LAT Aerospace constructed a comprehensive flight lab from scratch. Goyal noted that every aspect, including benches and fixtures, was designed in-house. The team has successfully conducted ground roll tests and plans to attempt the UAV’s first flight within the next few weeks.

Looking to the future, LAT Aerospace is researching hybrid-electric propulsion systems and is in the process of assembling a team to develop indigenous gas turbine engines. “This is one of the hardest engineering challenges possible,” Goyal remarked. He expressed confidence in his team’s dedication to making these advancements a reality before the end of the decade.

According to LAT Aerospace’s website, the initial demonstrators are undergoing flight testing, with plans to scale operations through industrial partnerships to bring the first generation of LAT aircraft into service. The company aims to establish the world’s densest regional aviation network, designed and built in India but scalable for global markets.

Goyal clarified that LAT Aerospace functions independently from Eternal, his other venture focused on restaurant and logistics technology. As LAT Aerospace moves forward, the focus remains on innovation and developing sustainable aviation solutions tailored for India and beyond.