New Delhi, Feb 17 (NationPress) The drone industry in India is experiencing remarkable growth, with the total number of registered drones surpassing 38,500. As of February 2026, there are 39,890 DGCA-certified remote pilots in the nation, according to data released on Tuesday.

Additionally, over 240 training organizations have received approval to cultivate skilled personnel for drone operation and maintenance.

This increasing utilization of drones signifies the evolution of a well-rounded ecosystem that includes manufacturers, software developers, service providers, training institutions, certified pilots, start-ups, research entities, and digital platforms, all functioning within a cohesive regulatory framework, as per official statements.

Drones are now integral to vital sectors such as agriculture, land and property assessments, infrastructure oversight, disaster management, and public service delivery, showcasing their ability to boost efficiency, transparency, and accuracy in governance.

Under the SVAMITVA Scheme, drones have been deployed to survey 3.28 lakh villages, resulting in the creation of 2.76 crore property cards across 1.82 lakh villages in 31 states.

India's drone industry has evolved from pilot initiatives to a significant, innovation-oriented sector, supported by progressive policies, regulatory support, and financial incentives. The government has established a structured framework that promotes both technological advancements and broad adoption, particularly focusing on women-led entrepreneurship, rural accessibility, and domestic manufacturing.

To date, 1,094 drones have been allocated to women SHGs (self-help groups), with over 500 distributed under the Namo Drone Didi initiative, significantly improving agricultural productivity and livelihoods, according to official data.

Looking forward, the expansion of local manufacturing, skill enhancement for remote pilots, and integration into state and national programs positions India to harness drones for socio-economic development, infrastructure monitoring, and national security. They are also being utilized for railway and highway surveillance across the country, as highlighted in the statement.

With increasing governmental support, including budget allocations, innovation grants, and strategic deployment, India is poised to become a global frontrunner in unmanned aerial systems, nurturing an ecosystem that balances commercial growth, technological self-reliance, and inclusive development.