Can the Dedication of Young Entrepreneurs Transform India into a Global Drone Hub?

Synopsis
The potential of young entrepreneurs to revolutionize India into a global drone hub was highlighted by Minister Kamlesh Paswan during the inauguration of Garuda Aerospace's indigenisation facility. With advanced technology and strategic initiatives, India is on the verge of drone innovation.
Key Takeaways
- Garuda Aerospace launches India's first agri-drone indigenisation facility.
- Minister Kamlesh Paswan emphasizes the potential of young entrepreneurs.
- 300 Centres of Excellence established to foster drone innovation.
- Goal of producing 100,000 drones by 2026.
- TTT programme aims to develop certified drone instructors.
New Delhi, June 14 (NationPress) The commitment of young entrepreneurs has the potential to establish India as a leading global hub for drone technology, according to Union Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan. This statement was made during the inauguration of Garuda Aerospace’s innovative agri-drone indigenisation facility located in Chennai.
The Minister also introduced 300 Centres of Excellence (CoE) and launched Garuda Aerospace’s DGCA-approved Train the Trainer (TTT) programme.
Paswan praised Garuda Aerospace for its forward-thinking initiatives aimed at making India self-sufficient in drone technology.
“The vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji to transform India into a global drone hub can be realized through the relentless efforts of our young entrepreneurs,” stated Paswan.
He also commended the Bharat Drone Association for bringing together local component manufacturers under one roof at the indigenisation facility, a cutting-edge plant that is expected to produce over 100,000 drones within the next two years.
The Minister expressed his amazement, sharing that he had never encountered 2,000 agri-drones in one place before his visit to the Garuda Indigenous Manufacturing Facility—an impressive showcase of India's potential in drone development and scalability.
The launch also featured a captivating live demonstration of Agri-Drones by expertly trained Drone Didis, highlighting Garuda Aerospace's commitment to fostering innovation and self-reliance in the rapidly evolving drone sector.
“In 2022, Prime Minister Modi set a vision for us to manufacture 100,000 made-in-India drones by 2026. To date, we have successfully produced 4,000 drones and are confident of meeting this ambitious target within the next two years,” remarked Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace.
Spanning 35,000 square feet, Garuda Aerospace’s cutting-edge agri-drone indigenisation facility is the first of its kind in the country, focused on the design, manufacturing, and rigorous testing of advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
This new facility represents a significant expansion of Garuda Aerospace’s existing operations and marks a pivotal advancement in drone manufacturing and skill development in India.
The TTT programme is Garuda Aerospace’s flagship initiative aimed at skill-building and development, designed to empower educators and professionals to become certified drone instructors.
Moreover, the strategically located 300 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) throughout India, developed in collaboration with academic institutions and industry partners, will drive innovation, research, and skill enhancement in the drone sector via a robust partner network.