Indian AAM start-up targets UAV growth in the Middle East
India-based advanced air mobility (AAM) start-up, SKYBER Aerospace (SKYBER), is expanding its reach into the Middle East and Africa (MEA) through a strategic partnership with Sibia Technologies (Sibia).
The partnership aligns with the growing demand for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in both defence and commercial markets across the region.
SKYBER recently signed a multi-year contract with Dubai-based Sibia to distribute its UAVs across key sectors, capitalising on rising demand in both defence and commercial markets.
Under the agreement, the company will provide customised military UAV systems to strengthen defence capabilities across the MEA region.
These UAVs will be equipped with advanced data security features to strengthen regional defence systems, SKYBER said in a statement.
Additionally, it will offer fully autonomous drones featuring artificial intelligence (AI)-powered navigation and decision-making capabilities to its commercial clients, catering to industries such as oil & gas, construction, and agriculture.
Meanwhile, Sibia will be responsible for sales, service, customer relationships, marketing, and supply chain logistics in the region.
It will leverage its partnerships with telecom operators in the region to enable UAV solutions using both public and private 5G networks, enhancing operational efficiency.
Furthermore, the collaboration aims to minimise downtime and operational disruptions, thereby increasing the cost-effectiveness of UAV solutions.
According to the companies, clients in the MEA region will benefit from localised support services such as faster response times, on-the-ground maintenance, and regional training centres aimed at improving the operational efficiency and safety of UAV systems.
Additionally, they will receive assistance in navigating local UAV regulations and securing necessary permits, helping to minimise operational hurdles.
Strategic move
“Countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and parts of Africa are expected to be significant consumers of UAV technology due to their increasing defence budgets, need for border security, and investments in modern technology for commercial sectors,” said Joseph George, co-founder and CEO of SKYBER Aerospace.
He added, “The partnership between SKYBER Aerospace and Sibia Technologies represents a significant step towards tapping into the burgeoning UAV market in the Middle East and Africa.”
Founded in 2023 by Abhishek Sircar and Joseph George, SKYBER specialises in the manufacturing of advanced UAVs and AI-enabled edge computing chipsets.
The company is also working on future iterations of its UAV systems, which could include high-precision sensors and long-range surveillance capabilities.
Additionally, it is developing drone-swarming technology for more complex operations.
Over the next five years, SKYBER aims to expand its footprint in the MEA region by growing its product portfolio, establishing local manufacturing plants, and diversifying UAV applications.
The partnership with Sibia Technologies is a cornerstone of this growth strategy, helping SKYBER capture defence contracts while catering to the commercial sector.