In a significant move towards strengthening India's self-reliance in aviation technology, LAT Aerospace, co-founded by Deepinder Goyal and Surobhi Das, has inaugurated a sprawling 50,000-square-foot research and development centre in Gurugram. This state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to crafting indigenous aircraft components and propelling innovations in regional connectivity aviation, reinforcing the startup’s commitment to the development of domestically produced, cutting-edge aerospace technologies.​

The Gurugram-based R&D centre comprises specialized laboratories focused on developing critical aircraft-grade components such as powertrains, hardware-in-the-loop testing systems, and advanced aerostructure modules. By bringing prototyping and iterative design processes in-house, LAT Aerospace significantly reduces dependence on external vendors, facilitating faster innovation cycles crucial for aerospace advancements. Their current engineering efforts are concentrated on optimising a short take-off and landing (STOL) aircraft demonstrator, aiming to enhance performance by reducing structural weight and creating proprietary simulation models to better predict aerodynamic efficiencies.​

One of the standout features of LAT Aerospace’s R&D strategy is its emphasis on hybrid-electric propulsion systems. The startup is not only developing hybrid-electric aircraft technology but also building the necessary ground infrastructure for charging and power management. This dual focus aligns with global trends toward sustainable aviation solutions and positions LAT Aerospace at the forefront of eco-friendly regional air travel, targeting underserved Tier-II and Tier-III cities with a cost-effective eight-seater aircraft designed to operate from shorter runways, filling a crucial connectivity gap.​

This initiative is a remarkable leap by Deepinder Goyal, known for his success with Zomato, signaling a shift from digital technology ventures to deep-tech industrial innovation. LAT Aerospace’s compact but highly skilled team, with engineering talent distributed across Delhi and Bengaluru, underscores a collaborative approach combining expertise in aircraft and gas turbine engine development. Furthermore, the company is actively seeking to raise substantial seed funding, targeting approximately $50 million to scale operations, sharpen design capabilities, and enhance materials engineering — a clear sign of growing investor confidence in India’s aerospace potential.​

LAT Aerospace’s new Gurugram R&D centre not only reflects a forward-thinking approach to aircraft technology but also exemplifies India's ambition to reclaim a leadership role in aerospace manufacturing. By focusing on modular, lightweight designs and fostering a culture of fast prototyping and problem solving, LAT Aerospace hopes to set a new benchmark for indigenous aviation technology. This development is a hopeful sign for strengthening regional air connectivity, fostering technological independence, and supporting the broader vision of sustainable and inclusive transportation in India.​ This article can serve as a fresh, engaging piece for your news and blog website, offering readers insight into the advancements in India's aerospace landscape and the impressive efforts by LAT Aerospace to build homegrown aircraft technologies while supporting regional growth.