Paras Defence & Space Technologies Ltd, a leading player in India’s defence engineering sector, has unveiled a cutting-edge optical systems testing facility in Navi Mumbai.
Inaugurated by Dr. S. Somanath, Secretary of the Department of Space (DoS) and Chairman of ISRO, this state-of-the-art facility aims to propel India’s capabilities in the development and testing of hyperspectral and other optical systems for space and defence applications.
The facility is a significant milestone in Paras Defence’s ambitious plan to establish India’s first advanced Optical Systems Development Park.
The company has pledged an investment of INR 500 crore over the next few years for this initiative, which aligns with the Indian government’s “Vision 2047” and its goal of capturing 10% of the global space economy by 2030.
Driving India’s Self-Reliance in Space and Defence
At the inauguration, Dr. Somanath lauded Paras Defence’s role in advancing indigenous manufacturing for space missions, emphasizing the importance of collaborations between ISRO and private sector innovators.
“I am delighted to inaugurate Paras Defence’s new facility, which underscores their significant contributions to India’s space program. With their advanced manufacturing and testing capabilities, Paras continues to deliver critical optical systems essential to ISRO’s missions. Our partnership reflects shared innovation and a commitment to self-reliance in high-tech manufacturing. This facility not only strengthens our space exploration efforts but also broadens the applications of optical systems in other PRESS RELEASE industries. Such initiatives position Paras as a global leader in optical-electronic systems, driving India’s progress in science and technology.” said Dr. Somanath.
Munjal Shah, Managing Director of Paras Defence, highlighted the broader vision behind the initiative.
“Advancing indigenous capabilities in development of Optical systems is paramount to India’s quest for space leadership. We are an inalienable part of that journey. This facility is a further demonstration of our intent and capability to enhance India’s self-reliance in the field of Space technology and Defence engineering. It is our vision to build India’s first advanced Optical Systems Park and the opening of this new facility is a major step in that direction. We are thankful to ISRO for being our anchor customer and mentor over the years” he said.
A Step Towards a Thriving Space Economy
The newly launched facility is equipped to support the R&D of hyperspectral optical systems, a technology that holds transformative potential across industries, from earth observation to automotive navigation.
With the global space technology market projected to exceed $1 trillion by the next decade, Paras Defence’s initiatives position India as a critical player in this burgeoning sector.
India’s First Optical Park: A Vision for the Future
The Navi Mumbai facility marks the first phase of Paras Defence’s Optical Systems Development Park, envisioned as a hub for innovation in optical-electronic systems.
The park is expected to attract investment, talent, and partnerships, further consolidating India’s position in the global space and defence markets.
