From Telecom Scale To Space Tech: Samtel Ropes In Bharti Airtel Veteran Akhil Gupta For Next-Gen Pivot

Published 5 August 2026 · india

News india From Telecom Scale To Space Tech: Samtel Ropes In Bharti Airtel Veteran Akhil Gupta For Next-Gen Pivot From Telecom Scale To Space Tech

News india From Telecom Scale To Space Tech: Samtel Ropes In Bharti Airtel Veteran Akhil Gupta For Next-Gen Pivot From Telecom Scale To Space Tech: Samtel Ropes In Bharti Airtel Veteran Akhil Gupta For Next-Gen Pivot Published By, Last Updated: August 05, 2026, 22:44 IST The strategic appointment coincides with Samtel’s aggressive diversification away from traditional defence avionics towards next-generation aerospace capabilities Commenting on his appointment, Gupta highlighted India’s expanding aerospace footprint and Samtel's established manufacturing base. File image/X Defence electronics major Samtel Avionics Limited has appointed telecom industry veteran Akhil Gupta as a strategic advisor to guide its entry into high-growth sectors, including space technology, satellite systems, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and optronics. The company confirmed that Gupta, a former top executive at Bharti Airtel who played an instrumental role in scaling its telecommunication operations, joins via his firm, Inversion Advisory Services.

In his new role, Gupta will advise Samtel’s executive leadership on long-term growth strategy, financial management, capital structure, corporate governance, and IPO readiness. The strategic appointment coincides with Samtel’s aggressive diversification away from traditional defence avionics towards next-generation aerospace capabilities. The company, a subsidiary of the 50-year-old Samtel Group, manufactures mission-critical systems across defence, railway electronics, and military display domains, and has recently committed substantial capital investments toward indigenising India’s space and drone ecosystems. “His deep expertise in scaling businesses, strategic investments, corporate governance, and understanding of new-age high technology sectors will bring immense value as we accelerate our expansion into space, satellite, UAV, and advanced electronics domains," said Puneet Kaura, Managing Director and CEO of Samtel Avionics.

Commenting on his appointment, Gupta highlighted India’s expanding aerospace footprint and Samtel’s established manufacturing base. “India is entering an exciting phase of growth in the aerospace, defence, and space sectors. Samtel Avionics has built a robust foundation in mission-critical defence technologies… I look forward to working with the leadership team to shape a scalable, future-ready organisation as it expands into strategic technology domains, particularly in the space segment," Gupta said. The move underscores a growing trend among domestic defence suppliers capitalizing on the Indian government’s push for local manufacturing, self-reliance, and advanced technological indigenisation within the defence and space sectors. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad.