Agri Drone Indigenization Hub in Chennai inaugurated by Kamlesh Paswan aims to boost drone manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat with a goal of 100,000 drones by 2026.
India’s First Agri‑Drone Indigenization Hub Inaugurated in Chennai
Introduction: A Milestone for ‘Make in India’ in Drone Tech
On June 14, 2025, Union Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan officially inaugurated Garuda Aerospace’s Agri-Drone Indigenization Facility in Chennai The 35,000 sq ft hub is India’s first dedicated site for designing, manufacturing, and testing agricultural drones—and marks a significant leap toward self-reliance in drone production under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
A Live Showcase of Skills and Innovation
During the inauguration, Garuda Aerospace showcased a live demonstration by its ‘Drone Didis’, highlighting women-led drone operations—a powerful symbol of inclusive tech empowerment This underscored both rural and gender-focused innovation.
Scale and Capability: 100,000 Drones in Two Years
Paswan applauded Garuda’s goal of achieving PM Modi’s vision of manufacturing 100,000 made-in‑India drones by 2026, revealing that 4,000 drones have already been delivered The factory’s capacity includes dozens of subsystems and component parts, reducing India’s dependence on imports
Building India’s Drone Ecosystem
The inauguration also introduced two key programmes:
- 300 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) across India—joint initiatives with academia and industry to expand skill development and provide after-sales support.
- DGCA-approved “Train the Trainer” (TTT) programme, aimed at creating a certified cadre of drone instructors
Industry Collaboration and Policy Alignment
Representatives from the Bharat Drone Association (BDA) were present. The hub unites local component manufacturers and aligns with central schemes like PLI, SMAM, and Drone Didi, reinforcing India’s role as a drone-friendly manufacturing destination
Why This News is Important
Strategic Alignment with PM Modi’s Drone Vision
This inauguration signifies a tangible step towards PM Modi’s ambition to position India as a Global Drone Hub by 2026, by scaling domestic manufacturing capacity The indigenization facility plays a vital role in reducing dependency on imports—critical for national security and economic sovereignty.
Agricultural Transformation and Rural Empowerment
By focusing on agri-drones, the hub addresses key challenges in the agriculture sector: enhancing crop monitoring, enabling precise spraying, and increasing yield efficiency. The participation of Drone Didis highlights Garuda’s emphasis on women’s empowerment and employing technology to uplift rural communities.
Skill Development and Comprehensive Ecosystem
The launch of 300 CoEs and a DGCA-approved TTT programme supports skill dissemination and builds a workforce trained to operate, maintain, and teach drone technology. This amplifies human capital growth and strengthens a self-sustaining drone ecosystem in tier‑2 and tier‑3 cities.
Industry-Government-Association Partnership
The involvement of the BDA, academic institutions, and industry partners signals a collaborative approach—integral for standard-setting, certification frameworks, and streamlining supply chains. These partnerships are poised to attract further government incentives and private investment.
Historical Context
Evolution of India’s Drone Policy
India started formally recognizing drones in 2021, unveiling its initial regulatory framework under the DGCA to regulate civil drone usage. Over the following years, policies such as the PLI, Drone Didi, and SMAM schemes have pushed domestic drone manufacturing and skilling programmes.
Garuda Aerospace’s Rise
Established in 2015, Garuda Aerospace has grown from a small pilot team to a nationwide player, delivering thousands of drones and collaborating with major leaders. The Chennai indigenization hub follows previous expansions in drone production and training, reinforcing its leadership in the field
Tying into National Tech Initiatives
The facility aligns with larger government efforts like “Digital India” and “Skill India”, leveraging drones for precision farming, infrastructure monitoring, and logistics. It reinforces the narrative of technology-driven rural development and modern agriculture practices.
Key Takeaways from Agri‑Drone Indigenization in Chennai
| S.No | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1. | Launch of India’s first Agri‑Drone Indigenization Facility in Chennai, covering 35,000 sq ft. |
| 2. | Inaugurated by Union Minister Kamlesh Paswan on June 14, 2025. |
| 3. | Integration with 300 Centres of Excellence and DGCA‑approved Train the Trainer (TTT) programme. |
| 4. | Capacity goal of manufacturing 100,000 made‑in‑India drones by 2026; 4,000 delivered so far. |
| 5. | Strong emphasis on Atmanirbhar Bharat, rural skill development, women-led Drone Didi initiative, and import independence. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the significance of India’s first Agri-Drone Indigenization Hub?
The facility is a major milestone in India’s push for self-reliance in drone technology, especially in agriculture, reducing import dependency and promoting domestic manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Q2. Who inaugurated the Agri-Drone Indigenization Hub and where is it located?
Union Minister Kamlesh Paswan inaugurated the facility, which is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Q3. What is the production target set by Garuda Aerospace for agri-drones?
Garuda Aerospace aims to manufacture 100,000 made-in-India drones by 2026.
Q4. What are the key initiatives launched along with the drone hub?
Two major initiatives include 300 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) across India and a DGCA-approved Train the Trainer (TTT) programme.
Q5. What is the role of Drone Didis in this initiative?
Drone Didis are trained women drone pilots who operate agri-drones, symbolizing women empowerment and rural inclusion in modern agriculture.
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