Nibe Limited Forays into Defence-Space to Establish India’s First Multi-Sensor, All-Weather Earth Observation Satellite Constellation to Strengthen Defence and Space Capabilities

by Priya

NSPL, a subsidiary of Nibe Limited, to lead the consortium and bring together Indian and global partners through MoUs, including Larsen and Toubro, CENTUM, AgniKul, Skyroot, SpaceFields, SISIR, CYRAN, and Thales Alenia Space

Committed funding to drive India’s self-reliance in the strategically crucial defence-space sector, with an aim to become a top defence and space company in the next decade

India | 8th September 2024: Nibe Space Pvt. Ltd. (NSPL), a subsidiary of Nibe Limited, a pioneering name in manufacturing critical systems for the defence sector, today announced its ambitious vision to establish India’s first multi-sensor, all-weather, high-revisit Earth Observation Satellite Constellation at an event in The Leela, Mumbai. With an aim to strengthen India’s self-reliance in the strategically crucial defence-space sector, NSPL signed MoUs/agreements for a consortium of key Indian and global partners, including Larsen and Toubro, CENTUM, AgniKul, Skyroot, SpaceFields, SISIR, CYRAN, and Thales Alenia Space (as Technology Partner), through this landmark initiative.

With committed funding and strong R&D investments, NSPL is dedicated to addressing the space-based earth observation needs of Indian stakeholders while building the first private constellation in India. At present, the country relies on limited sovereign satellites and expensive foreign satellite imagery that does not meet the evolving needs of national security. To address this NSPL is undertaking a groundbreaking initiative to establish private domestic Earth Observation All-Weather LEO Satellite Constellation, consisting of 40 satellites over the next five to six years. This constellation will offer high-resolution imagery, GSD <= 50 cms, high revisit times, and an end-to-end turnkey solution for national defence and strategic interests. NSPL will offer this constellation to the end user on a leased or user-definable exploitation model.

The event was graced by the honourable Secretary DDR&D and Chairman Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Dr. Samir V Kamat and other dignitaries including Shri Jayant Patil, Member of Executive Council of Management Larsen & Toubro, and Advisor Defence & Smart Technologies to CEO & MD Larsen & Toubro, Shri Aseem Kumar Gupta, IAS, Principal Secretary, Urban Development Department, Govt. of Maharashtra, Shri Ashish Chauhan, Managing Director & CEO, NSE Ltd., Shri Ashish Saraf, VP and Country Director, Thales in India., Shri Apparao Mallavarapu, Chairman, Centum Electronics and Shri Milind Kale, Chairman, The Cosmos Bank Ltd. Also joining and congratulating virtually were esteemed dignitaries, Shri Nitin Gadkari Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India and Shri Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Minister of Revenue, Government of Maharashtra. The dignitaries highlighted the strategic importance of this venture for India’s defence and space sectors, applauding the efforts of NSPL in driving self-reliance and technological advancement.

Commenting on the launch, Mr Ganesh Ramesh Nibe, Founder Nibe Limited, said, “The national endeavour marks a milestone step towards enhancing India’s space capabilities. By integrating efforts from leading players across India’s private sectors and involving select global majors, we are poised to accelerate local technology and skill development, reinforcing our nation’s standing in the global space industry. We also appreciate the support of all our partners who are contributing advanced technology and data centre expertise to this unique constellation.”

Representing Thales Alenia Space, Mr. Ashish Saraf, said, “We congratulate Nibe for pioneering this landmark initiative that represents a significant leap forward for India’s space industry. We are proud to be part of this space endeavour and look forward to bringing our collective innovation and expertise together for this tremendous national effort aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.”

During the event, NSPL also signed agreements/MoUs with Indian and international companies marking a pivotal step in establishing an indigenous and advanced earth observation capability for India. This initiative not only emphasizes NSPL’s role as the leader of the consortium but also underscores NSPL’s commitment to strengthening India’s defence-space sector and driving the nation’s ambition to be at the forefront of global space technology.

Shri Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Minister of Revenue, Govt of Maharashtra added, “I applaud establishing the defence cluster project near Shirdi as a commendable achievement under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. I have always been inspired by Mr. Ganesh Nibe’s excellence across various sectors, and this milestone marks yet another remarkable accomplishment. Seeing new startups significantly impacting and leading the way in different domains is exciting. We look forward to witnessing Mr. Nibe’s continued success and offer our unwavering support as he propels India towards greater self-reliance.”

“I am proud to see Nibe Space Private Limited’s plans to establish India’s first multi-sensor, all-weather, high-revisit Earth Observation Satellite Constellation and related ground stations. Such efforts will greatly enhance India’s capabilities in the critical defense-space sector, aligning with the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat.’ I am also pleased to announce that the Ministry of Defence and NSE signed MoU on July 29, 2024, to support MSMEs and emerging companies in the defence sector through our ‘NSE Emerge’ platform. My heartfelt congratulations to Shri Ganesh Nibe ji and his team for driving India forward as a defence-space powerhouse”, said Shri Ashish Chauhan, Managing Director & CEO, NSE Ltd.

“After seeing the corporate presentation of Nibe Group, it is heartening to witness the remarkable progress they have made in the aerospace and defence sectors within just 4 to 5 years. With the launch of Nibe Space, I am confident that the same level of success will also be achieved in the space domain. At DRDO, we recognize the strategic importance of space, and that the fusion of civil and military technologies will play a vital role. In DRDO, we have also initiated a technology fund to support MSMEs and startups in R&D activities within the space and defence sectors. I am pleased to see Nibe Space adopting a collaborative, consortium-based approach that aligns with the need for timely technology development. I wish Mr. Nibe and his team a successful journey ahead”, said Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary DDR&D and Chairman DRDO.

The event also witnessed the presence of esteemed Bollywood actor and veteran, Shri Sanjay Dutt.

This collaboration will create opportunities for promising start-ups to come together in a consortium model, aligning their goals with the Make in India initiatives.

About Nibe Space Pvt. Limited (NSPL): NSPL, a subsidiary of Nibe Limited, is dedicated to advancing India’s space-based earth observation capabilities. As the lead consortium partner, NSPL is committed to establishing India’s first multi-sensor, all-weather satellite constellation in collaboration with leading Indian and global companies. NSPL’s mission aligns with India’s broader goals of self-reliance and technological innovation in the strategically critical defence-space sector.

About Nibe Limited:NIBE Limited is committed towards continuously refining and adapting its approach, positioning itself as a leader in the defence industry. Moreover, in alignment with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, NIBE Limited extends its commitment to fostering self-reliance in the defence sector.

Established in 2021 under the leadership of Mr. Ganesh Ramesh Nibe, the company specialises in manufacturing a wide spectrum of Critical Components catering to the Defence industry such as precision manufacturing, engineering fabrication of structures and sub-assemblies for programmes such as modular bridge , Rudder blade, Pinaka launcher and MRSAM launcher for tri-services of Indian defence, to components of Electronic systems, Small arms (such as assault rifles and LMGs), ammunition (large and medium calibres) and space projects for domestic as well as international applications.

The company aims to make India the defence technology and manufacturing centre of the world. NIBE is working on achieving this by winning export orders, partnering with foreign OEMs for TOTs, and empowering Indian MSMEs and start-ups. NIBE Limited is listed on the BSE and has its registered office in Pune. For more information: www.nibelimited.com