Photonics and defence technology startup olee.space has appointed Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Rajiva Ranjan VM (Retd) as its strategic defence advisor, a move that underscores the company’s commitment to advancing India’s defence and aerospace capabilities. With over 30 years of distinguished service in the Indian Air Force, AVM Ranjan brings a wealth of expertise in fighter operations, defence technology, and integrated warfare to the table.
AVM Ranjan’s role will focus on guiding olee.space in developing cutting-edge optical and space-based defence systems tailored to India’s strategic needs. His operational insights will be instrumental in accelerating the development of high-energy laser systems designed for multi-domain and multi-level warfare.
“We’re pleased to welcome AVM Ranjan to olee.space,” said James Solomon, Founder & CEO. “His extraordinary experience in operational strategy, technology adoption in the Air Force, openness towards futuristic missions, and joint military planning will be invaluable as we design cutting-edge systems that elevate Bharat’s defence and strategic communication capabilities.”
AVM Ranjan’s career is marked by exceptional leadership and technical acumen. Commissioned into the Fighter Stream of the Indian Air Force in 1987, he has logged nearly 3,850 hours of accident-free flying across 15 fighter and trainer aircraft. His command roles include leading the MiG Operational Flying Training Unit and two forward air bases. He also served as Assistant Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Information & Communication Technology) and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations–Space).
Reflecting on his new role, AVM Ranjan said, “I am delighted to guide olee.space at this exciting phase of its journey. The company’s work in photonics, laser-based communication, and anti-drone technologies has the potential to transform India’s defence preparedness. I look forward to contributing to solutions that strengthen our national security and technological self-reliance.”
AVM Ranjan’s accolades include the Chief of Air Staff Commendation Award (1998, 2003) and the Vayu Sena Medal (2008). Post-retirement, he has been instrumental in defence-linked engineering education reforms and has consulted on modern, integrated warfare strategies.
The appointment comes on the heels of olee.space securing $3 million in seed funding earlier this year, backed by investors such as BIG Global, IIM A Ventures, Rockstud Capital, and SIDBI. This financial boost has enabled the company to accelerate innovation in strategic photonics and defence communication.
Olee.space specialises in next-generation systems for Free-Space Optical Communication (FSOC), quantum-encrypted networking, and directed energy weapons. Its solutions cater to India’s defence, aerospace, and telecom sectors, offering resilient systems for terrestrial, inter-satellite, and ground-to-space links. These systems are designed for low latency, maximum security, and optimised data throughput.
AVM Ranjan’s strategic guidance is expected to further enhance olee.space’s ability to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and real-world defence applications. As India continues to prioritise technological self-reliance in defence, this partnership could set a new standard for innovation in the sector.