Founded in 2023 in Pune by James Solomon and Suman Hiremath, Olee Space is a deep-tech startup working at the cutting edge of photonics, laser communication systems, and directed energy weapons (DEW). With a vision to deliver secure, high-speed communication and affordable defence solutions, the company is positioning India as a leader in space and defence innovation.
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On the communications side, Olee Space is developing free-space optical communication (FSOC) systems that use low-powered infrared laser beams instead of radio waves to carry data across land, air, sea, and space. The company is also building a quantum-encrypted satellite network spanning low, medium, and geostationary orbits, ensuring secure data transmission through quantum key distribution.
In defence, Olee Space has created a laser system for counter-drone and short-range air defence. Cheap drones have made air defence an expensive problem, but Olee’s DEW systems — ranging from 2 kW to 50 kW power configurations — can engage targets in under three seconds. Integrated with radar and electro-optical sensors, these systems promise cost-effective protection, with each shot costing less than one US dollar compared to missile interceptors that cost upwards of $150,000.
Indigenous innovation is central to Olee’s mission. The company reports that 70–85% of its system components are India-built, including beam combining, optical assemblies, gimbal mechanisms, and thermal management. This focus strengthens India’s self-reliance in defence technology.
In May 2026, Olee Space delivered a production-grade directed energy weapon to the Indian Armed Forces, marking a milestone in operational deployment. The order came through a partnership with a larger defence company, reflecting Olee’s strategy of scaling through collaborations rather than direct orders.
The company raised ₹26 crore ($3 million) in seed funding in August 2025, led by Rockstud Capital with participation from IIMA Ventures. With 80% of funds allocated to hardware development, Olee is scaling production and advancing its quantum-secure communication protocols.
Olee’s team of about 25 engineers, including alumni from BEL and DRDO, is deeply embedded in India’s defence ecosystem. Collaborations across the free-space optics industry and pilot programmes with Indian and allied forces highlight its growing credibility.
Looking ahead, Olee Space is building the digital and defence infrastructure of tomorrow — delivering limitless, high-speed, secure communications through laser-based satellite constellations, and affordable, indigenous directed energy weapons to safeguard India’s skies.
