Meet AIRAVAT
From Innovation to Operational Capability
AIRAVAT brings together operator-led leadership and specialized expertise across aerospace, defense, autonomy, federal acquisition, cybersecurity, program execution, commercialization, and technology transition. Our team helps mid-market companies, global enterprises, government agencies, and defense organizations navigate complex requirements and move advanced technologies from opportunity to funded, approved, and operational capability.
Our Journey
Airavat was founded to close a different gap: not technology, but trust.
Great teams struggle to break into the defense ecosystem because the story isn’t clear, the proof isn’t packaged, and the right partners aren’t at the table.
We fix that. Our work is equal parts narrative, relationship, and disciplined follow-through.
AIRAVAT Mission Expert Network
From cybersecurity and UAS integration to defense acquisition and technology transition, AIRAVAT assembles the expertise needed to move complex initiatives forward.
AIRAVAT connects clients with specialized experts who understand the operational, technical, regulatory, and acquisition challenges surrounding aerospace, defense, and dual-use innovation. Our Mission Experts contribute targeted insight based on the requirements of each engagement.
Core Leadership Team
Darshan “Dash” Divakaran
President
Aerospace and Defense strategist with 15+ years leading unmanned systems, autonomy, and airspace modernization initiatives across DoD/DoW, FAA, NASA, and state agencies. Active Secret Clearance. Specializes in translating emerging technology, policy, and operational requirements into real-world mission capability and strategic impact.
Garrick "GC" Christian
Principal
26+ years of defense, flight operations, and airspace leadership (TS/SCI). Former USAF Global Hawk pilot and air traffic control leader with deep expertise in ISR, autonomy, and mission operations. Provides operationally grounded technical direction and drives dual-use programs from strategy and capture through execution and transition.
Annette Canard
Program Manager
Annette Canard brings more than 20 years of federal program and acquisition experience. A certified PMP, CSM, and ITIL practitioner, she helps clients turn strategic priorities into organized, accountable programs through effective planning, procurement, governance, and execution.
Jon Karunakaran
Director, Business Development
Jon Karunakaran is a former U.S. Navy Aviator with more than 13 years of operational leadership spanning military aviation, defense operations, and strategic engagement, connecting technical innovation with operational requirements and defense acquisition strategies.
Valissa Tate
Director, Marketing & Communications
Valissa Tate leads brand strategy, executive communications, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement across aerospace, defense, autonomy, and emerging technology. She is an FAA safety team representative and helps technical organizations communicate clearly, build trust, and strengthen visibility across government and industry.
Core Leadership Team
Airavat's Mission Expert Network
Darshan “Dash” Divakaran
President
Aerospace and Defense strategist with 15+ years leading unmanned systems, autonomy, and airspace modernization initiatives across DoD/DoW, FAA, NASA, and state agencies. Active Secret Clearance. Specializes in translating emerging technology, policy, and operational requirements into real-world mission capability and strategic impact.
Garrick "GC" Christian
Principal
26+ years of defense, flight operations, and airspace leadership (TS/SCI). Former USAF Global Hawk pilot and air traffic control leader with deep expertise in ISR, autonomy, and mission operations. Provides operationally grounded technical direction and drives dual-use programs from strategy and capture through execution and transition.
Annette Canard
Program Director
Annette Canard brings more than 20 years of federal program and acquisition experience. A certified PMP, CSM, and ITIL practitioner, she helps clients turn strategic priorities into organized, accountable programs through effective planning, procurement, governance, and execution.
Jon Karunakaran
Director, Business Development
Jon Karunakaran is a former U.S. Navy Aviator with more than 13 years of operational leadership spanning military aviation, defense operations, and strategic engagement, connecting technical innovation with operational requirements and defense acquisition strategies.
Valissa Tate
Director, Marketing & Communications
Valissa Tate leads brand strategy, executive communications, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement across aerospace, defense, autonomy, and emerging technology. She is an FAA safety team representative and helps technical organizations communicate clearly, build trust, and strengthen visibility across government and industry.
Senior Advisors
Kevin “Omar” Bradley
Senior Advisor, USAF & ANG
Kevin “Omar” Bradley is a Strategic Advisor to Airavat supporting Air National Guard and U.S. Air Force integration efforts. A retired General Officer and former Commander of the 174th Attack Wing, he led the transition from F-16 operations to MQ-9 Reaper missions, including the development of operational, training, and infrastructure capabilities required to support the mission. With more than 3,700 flight hours in F-16 and MQ-9 aircraft, along with over 25 years as an airline pilot, Kevin brings a rare combination of military UAS transition leadership and real-world shared airspace operations experience. He advises Airavat and its clients on operational integration, defense engagement, and the transition of emerging capabilities into sustained mission use.
C.P. Divakaran
Senior Advisor, International Flight Operations & Aviation Strategy
C.P. Divakaran serves as Senior Advisor for International Flight Operations & Aviation Strategy at Airavat, bringing more than 35 years of global aviation leadership across airline operations, flight safety, regulatory affairs, and international program management. A former Air India Deputy General Manager and B747 Chief Flight Engineer with nearly 15,000 flight hours, he has led complex international ACMI operations, airline transition programs, and regulatory coordination efforts across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. His expertise spans flight operations management, aviation safety, crew operations, regulatory compliance, crisis response, and international aviation coordination, providing Airavat clients with deep operational insight and global aviation experience.
Jon Karunakaran
Director, Business Development
Jon Karunakaran is a former U.S. Navy Aviator with more than 13 years of operational leadership spanning military aviation, defense operations, and strategic engagement, connecting technical innovation with operational requirements and defense acquisition strategies.
Valissa Tate
Director, Marketing & Communications
Valissa Tate leads brand strategy, executive communications, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement across aerospace, defense, autonomy, and emerging technology. She is an FAA safety team representative and helps technical organizations communicate clearly, build trust, and strengthen visibility across government and industry.
Strategic Advisors
Strategic Advisors
Kevin “Omar” Bradley
Senior Advisor, USAF & ANG
Kevin “Omar” Bradley is a retired General Officer and former Commander of the 174th Attack Wing, where he led its transition from F-16s to MQ-9 Reapers. With 3,700+ military flight hours and 25+ years as an airline pilot, he advises AIRAVAT on Air Force integration, shared-airspace operations, and defense engagement.
C.P. Divakaran
Senior Advisor, International Flight Operations & Aviation Strategy
C.P. Divakaran brings 35+ years of global aviation leadership and nearly 15,000 flight hours as a former Air India Deputy General Manager and B747 Chief Flight Engineer. His experience spans international ACMI operations and airline transitions across four continents. He advises AIRAVAT on flight operations, aviation safety, regulatory coordination, and international strategy.
Craig Buying
Strategic Advisor, USAF & NATO Innovation
Dr. Craig Buying specializes in U.S. Air Force and NATO innovation. A senior coach with Project Mercury, he has supported the AFWERX Fellowship and Project Vanguard SBIR portfolio. At AIRAVAT, he helps organizations identify the right programs and champions and move technologies beyond the prototype stage.
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Elise Schwartz McMilan
ISR & National Security Operations
Elise McMillan is a national security and aviation professional with experience across the FBI and U.S. Air National Guard. An FBI Special Agent, MQ-9 pilot, and Assistant Director of Operations, she specializes in intelligence integration, UAS operations, mission planning, and interagency coordination. Her doctoral research focuses on counter-UAS threats to critical infrastructure and U.S. airports.
Dr. Christopher “VZ” Vasquez
Strategic Advisor, Stakeholder Alignment, Capability Positioning
Dr. Chris “VZ” Vasquez brings 17+ years of U.S. Air Force and federal civilian experience in air traffic operations, sUAS integration, and aviation safety. As a Federal Air Traffic Control Specialist and sUAS Program Manager, he supports airspace coordination, operational risk management, and regulatory compliance across government and industry.
Dr. Erik Kast
Defense Innovation, Strategy, & Technology Transition
An expert in the defense innovation ecosystem, he advises founders, executives, and government leaders on navigating complex acquisition pathways and leveraging SBIR/STTR programs to successfully transition emerging technologies into operational mission capabilities.
Subject Matter Network
Our values
We help small businesses earn trust and build enduring partnerships. That means clear stories, disciplined execution, and relationships that last.
Our values
We help small businesses earn trust and build enduring partnerships. That means clear stories, disciplined execution, and relationships that last.
Our Values
We help small businesses earn trust and build enduring partnerships. That means clear stories, disciplined execution, and relationships that last.
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Integrity
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People
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Velocity
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Flexibility
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Vision
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Integrity
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People
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Velocity
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Flexibility
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Vision
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Integrity
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People
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Velocity
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Flexibility
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Vision
This Is Us In Numbers
$100M
Client Award Wins
10+
Graduate Degrees and Certifications
68+
Combined Years of Experience
5
Industry Awards
This Is Us In Numbers
$100M
Client Award Wins
10+
Graduate Degrees and Certifications
68+
Combined Years of Experience
5
Industry Awards
This Is Us In Numbers
$100M
Client Award Wins
10+
Graduate Degrees & Certifications
68+
Combined Years of Experience
5
Industry Awards