TDB Funds ideaForge’s YETI Autonomous Logistics Aircraft

ideaForge Technology Limited secured a ₹151-crore long-term debt facility from the Government of India’s Technology Development Board (TDB) for engineering and developing its YETI autonomous aerial logistics vehicle. The loan agreement was signed on 9 October 2026 and formally executed on 11 October 2026. The funding is provided under the Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme.

Technology Development Board and RDI financing

The Technology Development Board is a statutory body of the Government of India that provides financial assistance for developing and commercialising indigenous technology. The ₹151-crore facility is long-term debt financing at a nominal interest rate. It is secured by a first-ranking charge over project-specific plant, machinery and equipment. Its terms include commercial covenants, limits on promoter share transfers and matching-funding obligations. ideaForge received a Letter of Intent for financing of up to ₹151 crore on 15 August 2026. The facility is designated for the YETI project and forms part of support under the Government’s RDI Scheme.

YETI aircraft design and capabilities

YETI is a heavy-lift, long-range autonomous aerial logistics platform designed as a fixed-wing Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) hybrid aircraft. VTOL aircraft can take off and land vertically, while fixed-wing flight supports forward travel. YETI is designed to carry payloads of up to 200 kilograms and travel up to 200 kilometres. The aircraft is intended to operate in high-altitude areas, deserts and marine zones. On 19 May 2026, YETI completed hover trials, with full-scale flight testing planned as the next development stage.

Defence and logistics applications

The platform is designed to transport ammunition, equipment and essential supplies to frontline locations for the Indian Armed Forces. Other stated applications include industrial logistics and emergency-response missions. The project is aligned with the Government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat goals for indigenous technology development.

Important Facts for Exams

:

• The Technology Development Board is a statutory body of the Government of India.
• VTOL stands for Vertical Take-Off and Landing.
• YETI completed hover trials on 19 May 2026.
• The YETI aircraft is designed for a payload of up to 200 kilograms and a range of up to 200 kilometres.

The ₹151-crore facility is project-specific debt financing for YETI’s engineering and development. The aircraft is designed for autonomous logistics in defence, industrial and emergency-response settings.</numerusform