Kawa UAV Private Limited: Pioneering Loitering Munitions in 2026

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Kawa UAV Private Limited, operating under the trade name HoverIt, was established in August 2022 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor. The company specializes in unmanned aerial systems and loitering munitions.

Headquarters: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor

Sector: Unmanned aerial systems, loitering munitions

Funding Raised: $500,000 seed, announced January 2026

Products: Divyastra Mk1, Mk2, and Mk3 loitering munitions; Baaz, Raftaar, and Aankh UAVs

Latest Milestone: Divyastra Mk3 maiden flight, 11 August 2026

Engine Partner: DG Propulsion

Production: Lucknow node of the UP Defence Industrial Corridor, from end-2026

PRODUCT RANGE

Kawa UAV Private Limited offers a diverse range of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and loitering munitions.

Aankh: A compact drone for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance with thermal imaging.

Raftaar: A fixed-wing platform for long-range surveillance with vertical take-off.

Baaz: Carries payloads for precision delivery and high-altitude work.

Divyastra Line: The strike family, with versions Mk1, Mk2, and Mk3. The Mk1 is a multi-role loitering munition with swarm capability, boasting a 500 km range and five hours of endurance. The Mk2 underwent high-speed taxi trials on the Ganga Expressway. The Mk3, a jet-powered version, flew on 11 August 2026, marking it as the first Indian jet-powered loitering munition.

FUNDING AND MILESTONES

In January 2026, Kawa UAV Private Limited announced $500,000 in seed funding, positioning itself as the first drone company in the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor. The company claimed a valuation of over $5 million and was preparing for a second funding round.

**Key Milestones:

• First Indian jet-powered loitering munition flight (Divyastra Mk3) on 11 August 2026
• Conducted high-speed taxi trials of the Mk2 on the Ganga Expressway
• Tested platforms in operational environments, including high-altitude deployments in Ladakh

PRODUCTION AND AMBITONS

Kawa UAV Private Limited is set to begin manufacturing operations from the Lucknow node of the UP Defence Industrial Corridor by the end of 2026. The company aims to market its proven platforms to international buyers, leveraging its success in Indian terrain and testing standards.

FAQs

**Q1: What is a loitering munition? A1: A loitering munition is a type of unmanned aerial vehicle that flies to an area, circles while searching for a target, and then attacks it. It is cheaper than a guided missile and can be launched by a small unit.

**Q2: What are the different versions of Divyastra? A2: The Divyastra line includes versions Mk1, Mk2, and Mk3. The Mk1 is a multi-role loitering munition with swarm capability, the Mk2 underwent high-speed taxi trials, and the Mk3 is the first Indian jet-powered loitering munition.

**Q3: What is Kawa UAV Private Limited's ambition? A3: The company aims to expand its market beyond India, marketing its proven platforms to international buyers.

CONCLUSION

Kawa UAV Private Limited is making significant strides in the unmanned aerial systems sector, with impressive advancements in loitering munitions. The company's achievements in 2026, including the maiden flight of the Divyastra Mk3, underscore its potential to become a global player in the defense technology market.

CALL-TO-ACTION

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