olee.space onboards Former IAF Assistant Chief – Integrated Defense Staff as Strategic Defense Advisor

National, September 24, 2025: olee.space, a leading photonics and defense technology innovator, today announced the appointment of Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Rajiva Ranjan VM (Retd) as its Strategic Defense Advisor. With a distinguished career of more than three decades in the Indian Air Force, AVM Ranjan brings unparalleled expertise in fighter operations, defense technology, and integrated warfare to leverage olee.space’s efforts in developing next-generation systems for India’s defense and aerospace industries.

AVM Ranjan (Retd) would be advising olee.space to build products required for the country in the field of optics and space-based defense systems aligning to the country’s long term vision. With AVM Ranjan, olee.space looks forward to expediting the building of high energy Laser Systems for multi-domain and multi-level warfare.

James Solomon, Founder & CEO, olee.space, said, “We’re pleased to welcome AVM Ranjan to olee.space. His extraordinary and crisp experience in operational strategy, technology adoption in the Airforce, openness towards futuristic missions, and joint military planning will be invaluable as we design cutting-edge systems that elevates Bharat’s defense and strategic communication capabilities.”

Commissioned into the Fighter Stream of the Indian Air Force in 1987, AVM Ranjan is a Fighter Combat Leader and a Qualified Flying Instructor. He is an alumnus of the Defense Services Staff College, Wellington, and the National Defence College, New Delhi, and has acquired almost 3,850 hours of accident-free flying in 15 fighter and trainer aircraft. Over his career, he has commanded elite operational units, including the MiG Operational Flying Training Unit and two forward air bases. He has also held several senior leadership roles, such as Assistant Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Information & Communication Technology) and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations–Space).

Air Vice Marshal Rajiva Ranjan VM added, “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 defense preparedness. I look forward to contributing to solutions that strengthen our national security and technological self-reliance.”

A recipient of the Chief of Air Staff Commendation Award (1998, 2003) and the Vayu Sena Medal (2008), AVM Ranjan has also served as Air Attaché at the Indian Embassy in Kabul and played a pivotal role in shaping operational doctrines for the MiG-21 Bison fleet. Post-retirement, he has contributed to reforms in defense-linked engineering education and serves as a consultant on modern, integrated warfare.

Earlier this year, olee.space raised $3 million in seed funding from leading global and domestic investors, including BIG Global, IIM A Ventures, Rockstud Capital and SIDBI, enabling it to accelerate innovation in strategic photonics and defense communication. The appointment of AVM Ranjan reinforces the company’s commitment to combining cutting-edge technology with operational expertise.