Deepinder Goyal’s LAT Aerospace Acquires Sharang Shakti To Foray Into Defence Tech

Why It Matters

The deal gives LAT Aerospace a foothold in India’s emerging defence sector while leveraging shared technology with its civil aviation ambitions, potentially accelerating domestic drone‑countermeasure solutions.

Key Takeaways

• LAT Aerospace acquires Sharang Shakti for defence capabilities.
• Sharang Shakti develops anti‑drone radar and hard‑kill interceptors.
• Acquisition bridges civil aviation and defence technology stacks.
• Goyal invested $20 Mn, expanding aerospace portfolio.
• New defence unit targets Indian drone threat market.

Pulse Analysis

Deepinder Goyal’s departure from Zomato’s parent company has freed him to pursue high‑risk ventures, and LAT Aerospace is the flagship of that new focus. Founded in 2025 with a $20 million infusion from Goyal, LAT aims to create a low‑cost, demand‑driven regional air travel network. Earlier this year the startup demonstrated its ‘Lat One v0.1’ aircraft, achieving ultra‑short take‑off and landing (uSTOL) capabilities that could reshape connectivity in tier‑2 Indian cities. The recent acquisition marks the next logical step in expanding its technology base.

Sharang Shakti, founded by a team of IIT‑Delhi alumni in 2023, specializes in low‑C‑SWaP radar modules capable of detecting micro‑drones and hard‑kill interceptors that physically neutralize rogue UAVs. Its anti‑drone system addresses a rapidly growing security concern as India confronts swarms of inexpensive commercial drones used for espionage and sabotage. By integrating these sensors and interceptors into LAT’s existing autonomy stack—covering perception, navigation and control—the combined entity can offer turnkey solutions for both civilian air traffic management and military air‑defence applications.

The convergence of civil aviation and defence tech under one roof positions LAT Aerospace to capture a niche market where cost‑effective, indigenous solutions are in short supply. India’s defence procurement policies increasingly favour domestic suppliers, and the anti‑drone segment alone is projected to exceed $1 billion by 2028. LAT’s dual‑use strategy could accelerate time‑to‑market for both commercial aircraft and drone‑countermeasure systems, attracting strategic partnerships with the Indian Air Force and regional airlines. If executed well, the move may set a precedent for other startup founders transitioning from consumer platforms to critical infrastructure.