Hyderabad-based Constelli is expanding its footprint in the defence sector by moving from simulation tools into the development of electronic warfare and communication payloads.
The company, which provides signal processing technology for radar and telemetry systems, is targeting applications for drones, naval vessels, and satellites to accelerate the production of field-ready defence systems. The expansion follows a $20 million funding round led by General Catalyst in February 2026, which is helping the company build infrastructure for rapid prototyping, early-stage manufacturing, and the development of next-generation defence technologies.
Electronic warfare systems are designed to detect, monitor, disrupt, or protect military communications and radar signals, making them an essential component of modern defence platforms.
Simulation and Testing Technology
At the core of Constelli’s expansion is its expertise in defence simulation and signal-processing technologies.
Founded in 2017 by Satya Gopal Panigrahi and Avinash Chenreddy, the startup specializes in hardware and software that allows developers to test defence electronics in a laboratory environment.
By generating complex signal environments, the platform enables engineers to identify design flaws and performance issues before committing to expensive and time-consuming flight tests. The technology relies on distributed computing and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), allowing hardware to be reconfigured to handle different signal requirements without requiring new silicon.
Global Market Strategy
The company has maintained a focus on international markets since its inception, arguing that competing globally is essential to validating its technology. Its current client base includes the Indian Ministry of Defence and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), alongside various defence contractors operating in South Korea, Australia, and Singapore. This international presence serves as a primary benchmark for the firm’s technical performance.
Strategic Growth and Future Plans
The recent capital injection is earmarked for research and development into next-generation payloads. This pivot places the startup in a new competitive position, as it begins to operate alongside the same organizations that previously utilized its testing services.
The company is now focused on shortening the gap between initial design and a field-ready system, building upon the momentum of a $3 million pre-Series A round led by Pravega Ventures in January 2025.
By expanding into electronic warfare and communication payloads, Constelli aims to strengthen its position in the global defence technology market while accelerating the delivery of field-ready systems for military and aerospace applications.
