From a Home Workshop to Defence-Tech: Aashish Prithwi Raj’s Falcon Skyworks Advances Indigenous Aerospace Innovation

BENGALURU, INDIA

A small home workspace in 2025 became the starting point for Falcon Skyworks Inc., an aerospace and defence technology company founded by engineer Aashish Prithwi Raj. The Bengaluru-based venture works across unmanned aerial systems (UAVs), drone communication, specialised electronics, propulsion and aerospace research, as India strengthens domestic capabilities in strategic sectors.

The company began by developing customised First-Person View (FPV) drones. According to the founder, this early work gradually expanded into communication systems and specialised aerospace technologies.

An Early Supply Milestone

Aashish says an early Falcon Skyworks milestone involved supplying seven high-speed FPV drones shortly before Operation Sindoor began. The company describes this as an important supply achievement, preceding its work on indigenous drone communication systems. The claim is attributed to the founder and should be supported by documentation and publication clearance.

The experience, the company says, encouraged a broader focus on technologies that connect, control and support unmanned platforms, marking a shift from customised drone building towards a wider engineering roadmap.

FS01 ALFA: Indigenous Drone Communication

In July 2025, Falcon Skyworks introduced FS01 ALFA, an indigenously developed drone transmitter. The company describes it as India’s first indigenous drone transmitter; this is a company-stated distinction and requires independent substantiation before being presented as an established industry-wide fact.

According to the company, FS01 ALFA emerged through firmware revisions, hardware integration and field testing. Its development reflects Falcon Skyworks’ aim of designing and supporting communication technologies in India. The company has since identified long-range communication modules, telemetry and UAV control systems as areas of work.

Aashish Prithwi Raj: Engineering Background

Aashish Prithwi Raj, Founder and CEO, studied Mechanical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, from 2016 to 2020. He later pursued research master’s studies in cybersecurity at Middlesex University, London.

In 2022, he worked as a Firmware Designer on a project associated with the Su-30 aircraft production programme. Drawing on his experience in mechanical engineering, cybersecurity research and aerospace firmware, he established Falcon Skyworks to develop indigenous technologies for India’s aerospace and defence ecosystem. His stated priorities include original engineering and domestic intellectual property.

Expanding Across Aerospace and Defence

Falcon Skyworks says its work spans UAV transmitters, ground-control systems, long-range communication and telemetry, FPV drones, propulsion, avionics, embedded firmware and defence electronics. It is also exploring autonomous aerial platforms and intelligent navigation.

The company reports engineering activity in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, alongside remote research collaborations. Its work covers radio-frequency engineering, electronics, software, propulsion, mechanical design and UAV system integration. Falcon Skyworks has also participated in technical exhibitions, workshops and institutional engagements focused on indigenous aerospace innovation.

KAANTHAM v1 and the Next Phase

The company’s roadmap includes KAANTHAM v1, described as a lightweight, high-speed missile research programme. Falcon Skyworks says primary research and development and design simulations have been completed, while field testing is ongoing. It has set February 2027 as the target for the official launch and formal testing. The stated Mach 4.5 performance objective remains subject to final field validation and is not an independently confirmed capability.

The programme marks an expansion beyond UAV systems. Its progress will depend on documented evaluation, technical reliability, regulatory compliance and validated outcomes.

A Long-Term Indigenous Technology Vision

Falcon Skyworks says it aims to contribute to India’s aerospace and defence ecosystem through specialised engineering and indigenous innovation. “I do not dream of building a company that merely competes with the world. I dream of building technologies that make the world recognise what Indian engineers are capable of,” says Aashish.

From a home workshop to work on transmitters, communication systems and aerospace research, the company has set an ambitious path. Its future standing will depend on turning that roadmap into validated products, reliable manufacturing and sustained adoption.

About Falcon Skyworks Inc.

Falcon Skyworks Inc. is an Indian aerospace and defence technology company based in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Its stated areas of work include indigenous drone systems, UAV communication technologies, advanced propulsion, defence electronics and next-generation aerospace research. Founder and CEO: Aashish Prithwi Raj.

Official Website: https://www.falconskyworks.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/falcon-skyworks-inc