Image Source : AKSI Aerospace
India’s push for self-reliance in drone technology received a major boost at the 6th International Drone Expo 2025 in New Delhi, where LiHi Smart Batteries—developed by AKSI Aerospace Group—took center stage. These advanced lithium battery systems are designed specifically for Indian conditions and mission profiles, marking a pivotal shift away from imported energy solutions.
The unveiling of LiHi’s battery packs, equipped with intelligent Battery Management Systems (BMS), signals a new era of performance, safety, and independence for India’s drone ecosystem.
Key Highlights From the Drone Expo Showcase
- LiHi Smart Batteries are engineered and manufactured entirely in India at AKSI Aerospace’s 50,000 sq. ft. facility in Hyderabad
- The batteries feature a smart BMS that ensures optimal charge distribution, thermal safety, and cell balancing
- Proven performance in extreme Indian climates—from sub-zero Ladakh to dust-heavy Rajasthan
- Available in customized configurations for sectors including agriculture, surveillance, logistics, industrial inspection, and defense
- Designed to replace imported systems that often fail to meet India’s environmental and operational demands
Performance Tailored to Indian Terrain
One of the standout features of LiHi Smart Batteries is their adaptability to India’s diverse geography. COO Praveena Kokrady emphasized that foreign battery systems often underperform in Indian conditions. In contrast, LiHi batteries have been rigorously tested to deliver consistent flight endurance and operational safety in both high-altitude and arid environments.
This resilience gives Indian drone manufacturers a competitive edge, especially in defense and agricultural applications where reliability is non-negotiable.
Smart Battery Management System: The Nerve Center
At the heart of LiHi’s innovation is its proprietary Battery Management System. This intelligent module monitors and regulates:
- Charge distribution across cells
- Temperature control to prevent overheating
- Cell balancing for extended battery life and consistent output
The BMS not only enhances flight duration but also ensures safety during high-demand missions, making it indispensable for drones used in surveillance, emergency response, and precision farming.
Indigenization and Strategic Autonomy
The push for drone tech independence goes beyond final assembly. As highlighted by AKSI Aerospace Managing Director Pankaj Akula, true autonomy requires in-house development of all critical subsystems—batteries, motors, autopilots, and composite frames.
LiHi’s fully domestic production model allows:
- Greater control over design and customization
- Reduced dependency on volatile global supply chains
- Compliance with defense procurement norms favoring indigenous solutions
- Cost efficiency and scalability for Indian drone OEMs
Sector-Wide Impact and Adoption Potential
LiHi’s battery systems are already drawing interest from multiple sectors:
- Agriculture: For crop monitoring, pesticide spraying, and yield analysis
- Defense: Tactical surveillance and reconnaissance missions
- Industrial: Infrastructure inspection and maintenance
- Logistics: Last-mile delivery in remote or congested areas
As drone adoption accelerates across India, the demand for reliable, locally engineered power systems is expected to surge. LiHi is positioning itself as a cornerstone of this transformation.
Conclusion: Powering India’s Flight Toward Tech Sovereignty
LiHi Smart Batteries represent more than just a technical upgrade—they embody India’s strategic ambition to lead in unmanned aerial systems through indigenous innovation. By addressing the unique challenges of Indian terrain and mission diversity, LiHi is enabling drones to fly farther, safer, and smarter.
As the country scales its drone capabilities across civilian and defense domains, LiHi’s contribution will be instrumental in ensuring that India’s skies are powered by homegrown excellence.
Sources: Business Standard, ThePrint, Devdiscourse
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