Sanket Inamdar
BU Head, UAS And CUAS
Pune,MH
Summary
Dynamic Defense & Aerospace Business Leader with 14+ years of progressive experience within Kalyani Group, currently heading UAV & C-UAS Business Unit operations. Proven track record of executing ₹50+ Cr defense programs and contributing to ₹5000+ Cr cumulative bid pipeline across DRDO and Tri-Services. Expert in end-to-end defense program lifecycle management (RFI to induction), international Technology Transfer (ToT), indigenization strategy, and cross-functional leadership. Recognized for driving indigenous capability development aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat and strategic defense modernization objectives.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Manager – UAVs & C-UAS
Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (Kalyani Group)
10.2023 - Current
- Lead strategic direction, business growth, and execution excellence for UAV & Counter-UAS programs.
- Own complete defense program lifecycle from RFI, technical proposal development, commercial negotiations to final induction.
- Drive product positioning, pricing strategy and bid competitiveness for high-value defense tenders.
- Manage multidisciplinary team of 30+ across aerodynamics, avionics, structural design, procurement, QA, finance & legal.
- Ensure compliance with DAP 2020, DPM 2025, MIL-STD-461, JSS 55555 and defense QA protocols.
- Lead vendor strategy, cost optimization, supply chain resilience and indigenous capability development initiatives.
Deputy Manager – Program Management & Business Development
BF Infrastructure Ltd (Kalyani Group)
11.2022 - 09.2023
- Contributed to DRDO-awarded DCPP programs in UAV & Embedded Systems domain.
- Managed cross-functional engineering teams to achieve milestone-based technical delivery.
- Primary technical interface with customers ensuring alignment of system performance with operational requirements.
Deputy Manager / Team Lead – Aerial Systems Division
Bharat Forge Ltd (Kalyani Group)
07.2020 - 11.2022
- System Architect and Team Lead for next-generation airborne systems development.
- Led development of 4 UAV platforms from concept to field validation.
- Responsible for FEA, structural validation, avionics integration and system-level architecture.
- Drove innovation roadmap aligned with future tactical and mobility requirements.
Assistant Manager
Bharat Forge Ltd (Kalyani Group)
07.2015 - 07.2020
- Specialized in FEA, structural integrity and fatigue life prediction of automotive and defense components.
- Developed mathematical models for forging die life prediction using low cycle fatigue methodology.
Design Engineer
Bharat Forge Ltd (Kalyani Group)
08.2011 - 07.2015
- Engaged in fundamental research on automotive component optimization using FEA and FEM.
- Part of High Cycle Fatigue testing of automotive components like crankshafts and front axle beam for validation.
Education
Master of Technology (M.Tech) - Mathematical Modelling, Manufacturing & Materials
01.2015
Bachelor of Engineering - Mechanical
01.2011
Skills
Strategic Leadership: BU Operations, Business Development, Product Positioning, Pricing Strategy
Program Management: RFI/RPF Response, Bid Competitiveness, Contract Negotiations, Lifecycle Management
Technical Excellence: System Architecture, UAV flight Validation (Fixed wing and VTOL), Avionics Integration
Compliance: DAP 2020, DPM 2025, MIL-STD-461, JSS55555, Defense QA protocols
Key Highlights
- Executed UAV & C-UAS programs worth ₹50+ Cr with full ownership from bid strategy to delivery.
- Submitted 20+ strategic defense bids worth ₹5000+ Cr across DRDOs and Tri-Services.
- Led cross-functional teams of 30+ engineers consisting of aerodynamics, avionics, mechanical, QA, supply chain and finance domain.
- Successfully developed and field-validated 4 UAV platforms (1 Fixed-Wing, 3 VTOL).
- Led high-altitude UAV validation trials at 4500m AMSL for Various UAV developed.
- Architected multiple heavy-lift UAV platforms capable of carrying 65kg payload, 30 Kg munition payload and surveillance missions.
- Part of Consortium, leading organization side for Securing ₹1.5 Cr iDEX funding in collaboration with Indian Army for Situational awareness systems (T72, T90, Arjun).
- Strategically handled international OEM collaborations and Technology Transfer (ToT) agreements.
Patents And Publications
- Patent, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
- Design Registrations, Granted, Aircraft Fuselage, Aircraft Wing, Aircraft Tail
- Publications, FEA, Die Life Prediction, Material Fatigue Analysis
Certifications And Awards
- Drone Pilot & Radiophonist, EASA, Europe
- ISO 9001:2015 R&D Department Certification compliance team member
- Chairman’s Award – New Technology Development, 2019
- INAE Young Engineer Award Nomination, 2020, Kalyani Group
Timeline
Senior Manager – UAVs & C-UAS - Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (Kalyani Group)
10.2023 - Current
Deputy Manager – Program Management & Business Development - BF Infrastructure Ltd (Kalyani Group)
11.2022 - 09.2023
Deputy Manager / Team Lead – Aerial Systems Division - Bharat Forge Ltd (Kalyani Group)
07.2020 - 11.2022
Assistant Manager - Bharat Forge Ltd (Kalyani Group)
07.2015 - 07.2020
Design Engineer - Bharat Forge Ltd (Kalyani Group)
08.2011 - 07.2015
IIT Bombay - Master of Technology (M.Tech), Mathematical Modelling, Manufacturing & Materials
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University - Bachelor of Engineering, Mechanical