Paras Defence Wins ₹26.59 Crore DRDO Order for Hyperspectral Mission Optics

Paras Defence and Space Technologies Limited has received a ₹26.59 crore order from the Defence Research and Development Organisation for the design, development and manufacture of specialised optics and opto-mechanical hardware for a hyperspectral mission.

Under the order, Paras Defence will act as the Lead System Integrator and will be responsible for the complete design, analysis, fabrication, manufacturing and assembly of the optics and opto-mechanical unit. The company has stated that the completed payload is intended to qualify as a space-borne system with potential applications in Earth observation.

₹26.59 Crore DRDO Order Expands Paras Defence’s Space Optics Role

According to the company’s regulatory disclosure dated September 28, 2026, the order has been awarded by DRDO under the Ministry of Defence and is valued at approximately ₹26.59 crore, including taxes.

The contract requires Paras Defence to deliver the complete optics and opto-mechanical package by September 27, 2027. The company has also disclosed a performance security amount of approximately ₹79.76 lakh.

The order places Paras Defence in a system-integration role rather than limiting its participation to the supply of individual optical components. Designing, fabricating and assembling the complete optical and mechanical unit requires tight integration between precision optics, structural elements, alignment systems and environmental qualification.

Hyperspectral Payload Intended for Space-Based Earth Observation

Paras Defence has stated that the complete payload will qualify as a space-borne system and has potential utilisation in Earth observation.

Hyperspectral imaging differs from conventional optical imaging because it records information across a large number of narrow spectral bands. Instead of capturing only broad visible colours, a hyperspectral instrument can detect subtle differences in the way materials reflect or absorb electromagnetic radiation.

This allows the resulting data to help distinguish materials and surface characteristics that may appear visually similar in ordinary imagery. Space-based hyperspectral systems can therefore support applications spanning resource mapping, agriculture, environmental monitoring, geological assessment and specialised strategic observation.

Precision Optics Are Central to Hyperspectral Imaging

The performance of a hyperspectral payload depends heavily on the quality of its optical system. Light entering the instrument must be collected, conditioned and separated into spectral bands with high precision while maintaining image quality across the required wavelength range.

Opto-mechanical structures must simultaneously hold sensitive optical elements in extremely accurate alignment despite vibration, launch loads and temperature variations encountered by a spacecraft.

Paras Defence has developed capabilities in both optical components and opto-mechanical assemblies, allowing it to work across the complete optical chain rather than manufacturing only individual lenses or mirrors.

The company’s existing defence and space optics portfolio includes infrared lenses, diffractive gratings, large space mirrors, optical reflectors, metal mirrors and precision lens assemblies.

Paras Defence Has Been Building Indigenous Hyperspectral Capability

The latest DRDO order builds on an area in which Paras Defence has been investing for several years.

The company has previously stated that it developed and manufactured an indigenous hyperspectral camera for defence and space applications. Its investor presentations identify hyperspectral imaging as one of the company’s major future space-optics opportunities.

Paras Defence has also disclosed that its hyperspectral technology has been designed and developed in India and that the company is pursuing applications across defence, space and Earth observation missions.

Diffractive gratings are among the specialised optical components manufactured by Paras Defence for hyperspectral systems. These components separate incoming light into different wavelengths, allowing the instrument to create the detailed spectral signatures that distinguish hyperspectral imagery from conventional cameras.

Navi Mumbai Facility Supports Advanced Optical Systems

Paras Defence strengthened its optical engineering infrastructure in November 2024 with the opening of an advanced optical systems testing facility in Navi Mumbai.

The company described the facility as part of its plan to establish an advanced optical systems development park and specifically identified hyperspectral and other sophisticated optical technologies for defence and space as major areas of work.

The facility was designed to support research, development and testing of high-precision optical systems that must meet demanding performance requirements before they can be used in space or defence applications.

Such infrastructure becomes particularly important for space-borne systems, where optical hardware must retain alignment and performance through launch vibration, vacuum conditions and significant temperature variations.

Paras Defence Moves Further Up the Space Technology Value Chain

Paras Defence has traditionally supplied specialised optical components for Indian defence and space programmes, but its current strategy increasingly focuses on complete payloads and integrated systems.

Its 2026 investor presentation identifies high-resolution hyperspectral cameras, sub-metre-resolution optical cameras, oceanography payloads, resource-management payloads and interplanetary optical payloads among the areas being pursued by the company.

This represents a gradual movement from component manufacturing toward higher-value system design and payload integration.

The new DRDO contract reinforces that transition because Paras Defence will be responsible for the complete design, analysis, fabrication and assembly of the optical and opto-mechanical unit rather than supplying a standalone component.

Indigenous Space Optics Strengthen Strategic Technology Base

High-performance optical systems remain among the most demanding technologies required for satellites and military sensors. Even small imperfections in optical surfaces or alignment can reduce the quality of imagery produced by an Earth observation payload.

Developing these capabilities domestically gives India greater control over strategically important technologies while building an industrial base capable of supplying future defence and space missions.

Paras Defence describes itself as an Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured defence and space engineering company with capabilities spanning optics, optronics, defence electronics and precision engineering. Its space portfolio includes imaging optics, large mirrors, diffractive gratings and integrated optical payload technologies.

The ₹26.59 crore DRDO hyperspectral mission order adds another space-borne programme to that portfolio. By taking responsibility as Lead System Integrator for the optical and opto-mechanical unit, Paras Defence is moving deeper into complete mission hardware and strengthening India’s indigenous capability in advanced space imaging technologies.

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References

Paras Defence and Space Technologies Limited — Regulatory Disclosure, Receipt of ₹26.59 Crore Order from DRDO, September 28, 2026
https://nsearchives.nseindia.com/corporate/PARAS_28092026132508_Intimation_DRDO_Order_CC_signed.pdf

Paras Defence and Space Technologies Limited — Investor Relations
https://parasdefence.com/investors

Paras Defence and Space Technologies Limited — Defence and Space Optics
https://parasdefence.com/

Paras Defence and Space Technologies Limited — Investor Presentation 2026
https://parasdefence.com/uploads/presentation/1779278288_paras-defence-investor-presentation-2026.pdf

Paras Defence and Space Technologies Limited — Advanced Optical Systems Testing Facility, Navi Mumbai
https://parasdefence.com/uploads/disclosures/1740050492press-release.pdf

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