Constelli, a signal processing startup focused on modernizing the aerospace and defense sectors, has secured $3 million in pre-Series A funding led by Pravega Ventures. The investment will be used to enhance research and development (R&D) and fund capital expenditures, with a strong focus on developing innovative technologies to revolutionize defense industry processes.

In an exclusive conversation with FinancialExpress.com, Founder and CEO Satya Gopal Panigrahi, who established Constelli in 2017, discussed the limitations of traditional defense testing.

“Flight and field tests are critical in aerospace and defense but are highly resource-intensive and time-consuming, causing major delays in project timelines,” he explained.

To address these inefficiencies, Constelli is leveraging advanced technology to reduce the reliance on physical testing. Panigrahi outlined a two-fold approach: “We use sophisticated modeling and simulation tools to replicate operational test environments within our labs. This setup significantly cuts down on flight testing, allowing for comprehensive evaluations earlier in the design process and enabling faster design adjustments.”

While such facilities are common among major Western defense contractors, they have been costly or unavailable in India. Panigrahi emphasized that Constelli’s cutting-edge facilities are built with high indigenous content and innovative designs, making advanced testing infrastructure more accessible.

In addition to simulation tools, Constelli integrates artificial intelligence (AI) into its testing protocols. Panigrahi noted that with radar and electronic warfare (EW) systems becoming increasingly software-driven, AI helps create dynamic test scenarios to evaluate cognitive and intelligent sensors.

This AI-driven approach is expected to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness of defense system testing, offering a transformative solution for India’s defense industry.