By A Correspondent

New Delhi: In a move set to redefine the future of defence manufacturing, Zuppa, India’s deep-tech firm in drone and sensor technologies, has partnered with Divide By Zero Technologies (DBZ), the country’s industrial 3D printer manufacturer, to develop mobile rapid fabrication units, containerised systems capable of 3D printing and assembling drones directly at the frontlines.

The collaboration, entered into on Nov. 4, 2025, marks a major milestone in India’s march towards Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), introducing a revolutionary capability that allows the armed forces to fabricate, repair, and customize drones on demand in forward areas.

The system eliminates dependency on centralised manufacturing and complex logistics chains, allowing defence units to respond faster and more effectively to real-time mission requirements, the companies said in a joint statement.

Bringing the Factory to the Frontline

The Rapid Fabrication Container Units will merge DBZ’s industrial-grade additive manufacturing systems with Zuppa’s autonomous drone platforms and AI-driven mission control software.

These mobile units will enable troops to print structural components, assemble mission-ready drones, and deploy them within hours, whether for surveillance, tactical support, or logistics in remote or high-risk environments.

“This collaboration is a major step toward Atmanirbhar Bharat in frontline technology,” Zuppa’s co-founder and technical director Venkatesh Sai said. “By enabling rapid, on-demand drone manufacturing right at the field, we’re giving defence forces unprecedented autonomy and adaptability.”

“At Divide By Zero, we’ve always believed the future of manufacturing lies in mobility, speed, and autonomy. This partnership transforms that belief into a tangible battlefield solution.” DBZ founder and CEO Swapnil Sansare added, echoing the sentiment.

Aligning India with Global Defence Innovation

Globally, the concept of deployable manufacturing systems has gained momentum, with firms like Firestorm Labs in the US pioneering similar initiatives.

The Zuppa–DBZ partnership now places India among the global frontrunners in rapid, field-level defense manufacturing, underscoring the nation’s growing expertise in dual-use and advanced manufacturing technologies.

Strengthening India’s Strategic Self-Reliance

This initiative not only enhances India’s defence readiness but also demonstrates the potential of AI-integrated, indigenous innovation to transform production paradigms.

Once operational, these mobile fabrication units could revolutionise unmanned aerial system deployment, extending applications to conflict zones, border monitoring, and disaster-response operations.

Through this pioneering effort, Zuppa and DBZ are positioning India at the forefront of next-generation defence technology, where speed, flexibility, and autonomy define the battlefield advantage.

NOTE: Zuppa is a deep-tech company pioneering autonomous systems, drone technologies, and advanced sensors for defence, logistics, and industrial sectors. Founded with a mission to advance India’s leadership in unmanned systems, Zuppa combines innovation with reliability to deliver mission-critical drone solutions.

NOTE: Divide By Zero Technologies (DBZ), founded in 2013, is India’s award-winning industrial 3D printer OEM, with over 1,100 installations across defence, automotive, aerospace, and education sectors. DBZ’s patented AFPM™ control technology and servo-extrusion systems enable some of the world’s fastest large-format 3D printers, now extending their capabilities into defence-grade and mobile manufacturing applications.

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