Drone - News & Announcements

ICreate Drone Startups

iCreate Drone Challenge: Enhancing India’s Indigenous Drone Innovation and Manufacturing

Bringing together India’s best drone innovators for a Prototype Acceleration Programme, Ahmedabad, on 20 January 2026, iCreate, India’s leading deep-tech incubator, announced the start of the Prototype Acceleration Programme for the iCreate Drone Challenge 2025, held from 20 January to 13 February 2026. This Programme marks a development from a national search to a high-intensity prototype acceleration stage, proceeding India's advanced drones and indigenous components. The event was launched in October 2025, in association with Startup India, as part of the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge initiative. iDC 2025 is India’s first significant platform focused on redefining global benchmarks in drone speed, endurance, and payload capacity. The challenge’s primary focus is to prioritize component indigenization, thereby reducing India’s reliance on imported critical subsystems, such as propulsion, avionics, energy systems and advanced materials. Following nationwide outreach across all states and UTs, iCreate received more than 500 applications and accepted 14 startups for the rigorous Prototype Acceleration Programme. Demonstrating a substantial shift in India’s innovation landscape, about 43% of the applications were from Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Bringing Together India’s Finest Drone Innovators for a High-Intensity Prototype Acceleration Programme, Ahmedabad, 20 January 2026, International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Technology, India’s leading deep-tech incubator, proclaimed the start of the Prototype Acceleration Programme for the iCreate Drone Challenge 2025, being held from 20 January to 13 February 2026. This Programme marks a key transition from a national search to a high-intensity prototype-acceleration stage, advancing India's next-gen drones and indigenous components. The chosen startup will focus on Aerial Excellence and Component Indigenization, developing indigenous drone components and trailblazing drone platforms for civil and defence applications. There was a virtual address from the Head of Startup India, Ms Mamatha Venkatesh, who was highlighting Startup India’s vision of manufacturing-focused development as a matter of national importance for building competitive startups. She noted that the iCreate Drone Challenge, launched in association with Startup India, brings together startups, industry and government to support founders at an important stage. Emphasizing drones as a strategic industry for India, with use in agriculture, infrastructure, logistics, surveillance and public services, she encouraged all the participating startups to leverage the platform, industry access, and institutional support to accelerate their journey from innovation to scalable impact. Source: The Tribune

Saheel Singh 21 Jan 2026

Operation Sindoor Nagastra

An Advanced Nagastra Drone Used in Operation Sindoor has been Developed

An advanced version of the Nagastra drone, extensively used during Operation Sindoor, has been developed.   The Nagpur-based Solar Defence and Aerospace Plant, which developed Nagastra, has also developed ‘Bhargavastra’, a micro-missile-based system, and conducted a successful test launch. The government is focusing on ensuring that the private sector’s contribution to defence manufacturing reaches 50% or more in the near future. The Nagastra drone advanced by this group was successfully deployed. This drone struck those who harboured ill intentions towards our country. Nagastra-1 is a suicide drone, made for searching and destroying any target by crashing into it. Bhargavastra, instead, is India's first indigenous, low-cost counter-drone system, developed to neutralize hostile drone swarms using micro-rockets and guided micro-missiles, featuring radar detection up to 6 km and engagement up to 2.5 km. The new facility is a fully automated plant manufacturing 30mm ammunition, which the Indian Army and Navy extensively use. Rajnath also visited the Pinaka rocket manufacturing facility and flagged off the first tranche of guided Pinaka rockets bound for Armenia. Operation Sindoor lasted for around 88 hours, but the intensity of those 88 hours couldn’t be described in words. In such operations, every minute, every decision and every resource is vital. Today, there are various kinds of wars. Warfare is becoming increasingly complex and intense. In such a situation, preparation for war is crucial. There was a time when ammunition shortages hampered India’s defence readiness, prompting the government to realize the need to become self-reliant. Commending the contribution of private enterprises in making the defence sector ‘Aatmanirbhar’, the nation is steadily marching forward in ammunition production, manufacturing quality and the production of dependable products. “In such a situation, increased participation of the private sector in manufacturing and R&D is the need of the hour. Source: Times of India

Saheel Singh 20 Jan 2026

Army Drones Defence Drones

Army Chief Outlines India's Mega Drone Push: 5,000 per Command, 100 km Strike Range

India's Army chief said on 13 th January 2026 that Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations has been asked to rein in what the government views as recurring drone intrusions across the border. Speaking at the annual press conference, General Upendra Dwivedi said the issue had been raised with his Pakistani counterpart and was conveyed as intolerable. Addressing the media, the Army chief also outlined India's push to significantly scale up its drone competencies in preparation for future conflicts. He said the Army has decided to manufacture as many drones as possible in-house, with every command either already producing or able to produce about 5,000 drones. These are not small platforms. India has already test-fired drones with a range of around 100 km and plans to spread this further. General Dwivedi also referred to recent drone sightings in the Nowshera sector along the LOC in Jammu. He said 3 to 5 drones were spotted on the evening of 11th January 2026, with additional sightings over the following days. As he stated, about six drones were observed on January 10 and two to three on January 11 and 12. The Army chief labelled these as small drones flying with lights switched on and at relatively low altitudes, appearing only intermittently. He said the assessment was that these will be defensive drones, perhaps deployed to test India's responses or probe for vulnerabilities that could be exploited to push terrorists across the border. Though he added that the outcome for the other side would have been clear, as the Indian Army is fully alert with no gaps or laxity along the frontier. General Dwivedi confirmed that the issue was discussed in a DGMO-level conversation held earlier in the day, throughout which Pakistan was told clearly that such drone activity would not be tolerated and must be stopped immediately. Source: MoneyControl

Saheel Singh 14 Jan 2026

Solar Drone Spy Drone

Will the Indian Army Soon Have a Solar-Powered Spy Drone? Start-up Tech will Boost Surveillance Capabilities Along Borders

As part of efforts to improve the surveillance competencies of the Indian Army, it placed an order for the Medium Altitude Persistent Surveillance System (MAPSS) from NewSpace Research & Technologies, a Bengaluru-based start-up developing multiple programmes in Next Generation Mission & Technologies for aerospace and defence, military and civilian use. MAPSS is a solar-powered, fully electric UAV. The induction of this system will improve the security forces' border surveillance capabilities by providing persistent, high-resolution Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance coverage along India's vast and diverse borders, enabling instantaneous threat detection without recurrent refuelling. NRT platforms can function from 5km to 20 km with diverse endurance. This will mark the first deployment of solar-powered surveillance drones by the Indian armed forces, substituting the battery-powered, tethered drones presently in use. As stated by The Print, the order, worth Rs 168 crore, originates from the Innovations for Defence Excellence programme of the defence ministry. The solar-powered durability enables the lightweight MAPSS to remain on station for days in remote regions, such as Ladakh or Rajasthan, offering constant monitoring of troop movements, smuggling or incursions with minimal logistical support.  Its low acoustic and thermal signatures help avoid detection by enemy sensors, making MAPSS highly suitable for forward operations in border regions where manned platforms or short-endurance drones are ineffective. “The drone will offer long-endurance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, electronic intelligence and communications relay support.” Source: The Week

Saheel Singh 12 Jan 2026

Defence Drones Drone Defence

Indian Army Gears Up for Drone Warfare with 20 New 'Shaktibaan' Regiments

To boost its drone warfare capability, the Indian Army is raising 15 to 20 Shaktibaan regiments with swarm drones, loitering munitions and long-range drones, which can strike targets from 5 km to 500 km. These regiments will function under the Artillery of the Indian Army. The move is part of a substantial force restructuring intended by General Upendra Diwedi, the Army Chief, to prepare the force for contemporary warfare. The new regiments will bridge the gap in striking targets between 50 km and 500 km. For ranges more than 400–500 km, the Army already fields BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and is initiating the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket system, which has a 120-km range. To prepare the first Shaktibaan regiments, the Army will shortly issue a tender under an advance procurement process for about 850 loitering munitions accompanied by their launchers. Indian manufacturers will supply the systems under the fast-track route, with deliveries expected in the next two years. Indian defence firms, for example, Solar Defence and Aerospace, Adani Defence and RapheM will be key contenders for the project, which will be around Rs 2,000 crore. The Army has already trained over one lakh drone operators and has started equipping its formations with a wide range of drone-based weapons. Together with the Shaktibaan regiments, the Regiment of Artillery will also raise 35 to 40 Divyastra batteries within artillery divisions, each with multiple types of strike-capable drones. The Infantry is also experiencing parallel modernization by raising Ashmi platoons in every infantry battalion. Furthermore, a new Special Forces unit, Bharav, is created to improve special operations capability at the Corps headquarters level, with each operative trained to launch drones for precision strikes. Throughout Operation Sindoor, Indian forces widely used loitering munitions, for example, Sky Striker, Nagastra, Harpy and Harop, to target enemy positions and Pakistani military bases following the growth of hostilities by Pakistan. Source: ANI

Saheel Singh 12 Jan 2026

Drone Day Drone Training

Hyderabad Gears Up for Drone Day Jan 16, 17

Telangana Tourism will sponsor a two-day drone event at the Gachibowli Stadium on January 16 and 17, 2025, featuring high-speed drone racing together with the traditional Makar Sankranti kite-flying festivities. TGTDC MD Kranti Valluru told Deccan Chronicle, “A virtual tourism experience centre is also being set up at the venue. The drone show will endorse Telangana’s tourist destinations. ” He added that Telangana Tourism is funding the festival, formally called the Whoopmasters Drone Day, Hyderabad Chapter Showcase Race. The stadium's outdoor field will be altered into an LED-lit racecourse. Whoop masters India, which has conducted more than 16 national races, as per MultiGP standards, said the showcase was intended as a unique spectator sport. Essential attractions include standard FPV racing, where pilots fly five-inch FPV drones at speeds over 100 km/hr; drone soccer, a team-based aerial sport in which drones are enclosed in protective spherical cages and endurance FPV racing, a relay-format event that tests pilots' stamina and strategy over extended laps. Freestyle drone stunts and a synchronized drone light show will additionally improve the spectacle of the event. Source: The Deccan Chronicle

Saheel Singh 08 Jan 2026

Defence Drones Drone Pilot

Indian Army Creates Modern Warfare Force 'Bhairav' with More than One Lakh Drone Operatives

At a time when the Centre is pushing for restructuring the defence forces, the Indian Army has undergone one of the most significant transformations to meet modern warfare challenges, creating a pool of more than one lakh drone operators across the force. Bhairav, the latest Special Force raised by the Indian Army, is formed to meet the challenges of contemporary warfare, as all operatives can handle drones and use them in real operations to target bases and formations in enemy territory. The Bhairav battalions, raised by Army Headquarters with lessons from global and individual conflicts in mind, have been formed to provide a dedicated force for high-speed, offensive operations, performing Special Forces tasking at several levels as required. The Indian Army has, by now, raised about 15 battalions, which are assigned to diverse formations along both borders and plans to raise about 25 more in the near future. The Bhairav battalions would also bridge the gap between the Para Special Forces and the regular Infantry battalions. The Bhairav would also be tasked to perform Special Operations at strategic to operational depth. “Modern warfare is altering at a rapid pace.   Today’s conflicts are hybrid and there is a need for a fully equipped force with contemporary technology to cope with the Challenges. The Bhairav battalions are also formed as part of the force restructuring, which is raised because of the needs of modern technology, new thought process and according to the latest operational requirements,” Commanding Officer of the 2 Bhairav Battalion said. “I am the CO of the Desert Bhairav Battalion of the Southern Command of the Indian Army. The desert presents its own challenges, requiring specialized skill sets, endurance and technology to be used effectively. That is why Bhairav is a technology-driven system which can work self-reliantly and perform multidomain operations in the future,” he added. Explaining about the development of the unit, the CO said, “The desert Bhairav Battalion is formed on the concept of ‘Sons of the Soil’ as most of the troops are from Rajasthan who can comprehend the terrain, language, weather and the area. The battalion has been built on the legacy of Rajanghan's valour and gallantry and that is our biggest strength. We can counter any challenge in the desert sector.” Source: Times of India

Saheel Singh 07 Jan 2026

Drone Delivery Last Mile Drone Delivery

Skye Air Crosses 20 Lakh Drone Deliveries in 2025 Hyperlocal Push

Skye Air Mobility has completed more than 20 lakh deliveries in 2025, signalling the rising disposition of drones in India’s hyperlocal logistics and last-mile networks.   According to the company, the milestone reflects a surge in the use of drone-led logistics in dense urban catchments, where delivery speed, predictability, and congestion management are becoming operational priorities for quick-commerce and e-commerce players. Skye Air at present works drone delivery services in markets including Gurugram in NCR and said it is working toward expansion into other metropolitan areas. The company said its scale-up efforts are focused on operational safety, delivery integrity and the creation of infrastructure to support autonomous logistics. As the company stated, its active markets handle approximately 5,500 deliveries per day, supported by its technology stack and last-mile operations. The network is designed to address time-sensitive deliveries by reducing dependence on standard last-mile delivery. Skye Air also pointed to the sustainability implications of drone-led last-mile operations, stating that each drone delivery can decrease carbon emissions compared with traditional delivery modes. In 2025, the company said it advanced work on infrastructure at scale and on partnerships to develop secure delivery handoff points for autonomous logistics networks. “Completing more than 20 lakh deliveries in 2025 is a strong validation of how rapidly drone logistics is becoming normal for hyperlocal commerce,” said the Founder & CEO of Skye Air Mobility. “We focus on safe operations, predictable delivery experience, and building the infrastructure mandatory to scale drone deliveries across cities.” “As quick-commerce and e-commerce need tighter delivery timelines, drones can reduce turnaround time while easing last-mile congestion,” he added. Skye Air will continue to expand drone delivery use cases with commerce and logistics partners while strengthening its delivery structure and operational capabilities across new micro-markets.   Source: Indian Transport and Logistics News

Saheel Singh 30 Dec 2025

Navigation Technologies Indigenous Navigation

Zuppa Geo Navigation Partners with IISc to Establish Drone CoE for Indigenous UAV Technologies

Zuppa Geo Navigation Technologies has partnered with the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, to establish a Drone Centre of Excellence in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. This association will have India’s nose in the front of next-gen drone technologies, nurturing trailblazing innovations in aerial systems, autonomous platforms and cyber-physical integration. The newly established Drone CoE will act as a leading hub for trailblazing research, design and testing of drones. By combining Zuppa’s robust cyber-physical technology stack with IISc’s globally recognized expertise in aerodynamics, robotics, controls, and systems engineering, the CoE will quicken the exploration and expansion of indigenous drone technologies tailored to several applications spanning defence, agriculture, logistics, disaster management and smart cities. Speaking about this tactical initiative, Sai Pattabiram, Founder & MD of Zuppa Geo Navigation Technologies, said, "At Zuppa, we spearhead indigenous innovation in UAV and navigation systems. The establishment of this Centre of Excellence at IISc indicates a milestone in our journey, as it brings together academic excellence with industry-driven technological leadership. Together, we envision creating top-notch solutions that will not only transform drone innovation in India but also set global benchmarks." A senior representative from the Mechanical Engineering Department of IISc Bengaluru added, "By creating this CoE in partnership with Zuppa, we want to advance trailblazing drone research that integrates deep scientific insights with practical industry applications. This partnership will lay a strong foundation for fostering innovations in drone design, autonomy and performance." With the Drone CoE, Zuppa and IISc are charting a roadmap to strengthen India’s self-sufficiency in UAV technologies and to foster a new generation of researchers and engineers, which will propel India’s drone ecosystem to the next level.   Source : VARINDIA

Saheel Singh 29 Dec 2025

Emergency Response Drones Drone Partnership

ideaForge and C-DAC Collaborate to Deploy Drones for Faster Emergency Response

ideaForge Technology Limited has signed an MoU with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing. This partnership will integrate drone technology into India’s emergency response network, refining the efficiency of Dial 112 services and evolving research in next-gen drones, semiconductor and data-driven technologies. Partnership to Enhance Emergency Response Through Drone Technology   The strategic partnership will combine ideaForge’s FLYGHT platform, a ready-to-deploy Drone-as-a-Service solution, with C-DAC’s Emergency Response Support System. ERSS lets citizens access police, fire and medical assistance through a single nationwide number. With India’s average emergency response time nearing 20 minutes, deploying drones as quick first responders will improve efficiency. FLYGHT drones can be dispatched ahead of ground teams to transport instantaneous situational consciousness, accelerate threat assessment and improve both responder and citizen safety, even in traffic conditions. FLYGHT Platform: On-Demand Drone Services for Public Safety The FLYGHT platform lets government agencies and organizations access drone capabilities without owning hardware, managing software, or training specialized personnel. Its pay-per-use model makes drones more accessible. Beyond emergency response, FLYGHT drones are deployed for: ·       Traffic Management ·       Assessment of disaster in Urban areas ·       Inspection of assets and infrastructure ·       Inspection of sanitation facilities and environment ·       Public safety and security operations Collaborative Innovation in Deep-Tech and UAV Research The MoU also lays the basis for joint research and innovation between ideaForge and C-DAC. Key areas of collaboration comprise: ·       Assessment and incorporation of the indigenous VEGA processor into UAV platforms. ·       Expansion of VEGA-based system-on-chip architectures for flight control systems. ·       Research into autonomous swarm drones, AI-led analytics and trailblazing computing applications. Both organizations will do research, development and training programs, aimed at speeding up India’s deep-tech ecosystem and endorsing indigenous innovation.   Leadership Insights on the Collaboration Sachin Pukale, AGM, Product Management at ideaForge, stated :   “Integrating FLYGHT with ERSS will allow Automated Aerial Dispatch of drones, reaching incidents within minutes and providing critical situational consciousness to ground responders. This association demonstrates our commitment to leveraging indigenous technology to improve national security and public welfare.”   The C-DAC team added: “This partnership lets us harness drone-generated data for faster, data-driven decision-making in emergencies. Together, we ensure that drone data is efficiently processed, analyzed and secured, allowing AI-led analytics, autonomous operations and instantaneous situational awareness.”   Supporting India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat Vision   The collaboration aligns with India’s priorities of secure digital infrastructure, data sovereignty, and indigenous technology development. By integrating aerial intelligence with safe computing frameworks, the partnership guarantees that drones are operationally effective while following to national security and public safety standards.   This initiative will accelerate drone adoption in emergency response, advance India’s deep-tech capabilities and support Atmanirbhar Bharat by endorsing scalable, secure and indigenous solutions.   Source: BIS Infotech

Saheel Singh 29 Dec 2025

Drone Training Drone Didi

Lakhpati Didi and Namo Drone Didi Schemes Make Women Self-Reliant in Gujarat

The government has launched several initiatives to guarantee that expansion of drones reaches even the remotest areas of Gujrat and to strengthen women's participation in India's development journey. The Lakhpati Didi Yojana was launched by the government in 2023 to empower 3 crore women by 2027 financially. In Gujarat, the scheme has been competently implemented under the leadership of CM Bhupendra Patel, resulting in 5.96 lakh women earning over Rs 1 lakh by December 2025, earning the title of Gujarat's Lakhpati Didis. The CM stated that, guided by the PM's vision, Gujarat has accepted several successful initiatives to strengthen women's empowerment. He added that with the effective implementation of the Lakhpati Didi scheme, the state is well-positioned to enable 10 lakh women to become Lakhpati Didis in the near future. Kankuben Garva from Kutch earns an annual income of over 10 lakhs The Lakhpati Didi programme, launched by the Gujarat government at the grassroots level, has had a transformative impact on women's incomes. Kankuben Garva comes from a family engaged in handicrafts. Through her contribution to the Saras Mela, she extended the platform for showcasing Kutch handicrafts, creating new market scenarios. With support from a Rs 1.5 lakh Community Investment and a Rs 4 lakh loan, she opened a shop by finding other women from her self-help group. Today, her products are promoted beyond the state, and she continues to scale up her initiative through sales on prominent online platforms, for example, Amazon. Earning more than Rs 10 lakh, Kankuben attributes her success largely to the constant support from the state government under the Livelihood Mission. Bhavanaben Gains a New Identity Through the Namo Drone Didi Yojana Bhavanaben Bharatkumar Chaudhary, of Kankrej taluka of Banaskantha district, has earned a different identity in the region as a Drone Didi. Educated up to the bachelor's level, she is engaged in animal husbandry and agriculture. Selected under the Namo Drone Didi Yojana, she received specialized training in pesticide spraying using drones and is now extensively recognized as a Drone Didi across Kankrej taluka. While continuing to live and work in her village, she is realizing her aspirations and motivating other women to become Aatmanirbhar. Under the Namo Drone Didi Yojana, women aged 18-60 years, with a Class 10 qualification, are qualified to train and work as drone pilots. Identification of over 10 lakh potential Lakhpati Didis in Gujarat At present, trained Community Resource Persons in the state have identified 10.74 lakh women with the potential to become Lakhpati Didis. To systematically capture details of their prevailing livelihood activities, accessible resources, spending and income, the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, has developed a Digital Livelihood Register. On the basis of data from the Digital Livelihood Register, the recognized Lakhpati Didis are getting need-based support, including training, assets, monetary assistance and marketing support. How does the Lakhpati Didi scheme Work? The scheme supports rural women related to self-help groups in starting income-generating activities to help them earn Rs 1 lakh or more annually. Women can start businesses in agriculture, animal husbandry, handicrafts and other nearby pertinent sectors. To enable this, several government schemes offer support through training, monetary assistance and market linkages, allowing sustained income growth. As stated by the guidelines of the Central Government, income calculation for a Lakhpati Didi comprises the following details: * Total annual income from agriculture and related activities. * Income from non-farm activities, manufacturing, trading and services. * Income of any family member, salaried/employed. * Income received from farm and non-farm labour work. * Monetary Amounts received through the assistance of government schemes. * Income earned through commissions and honorary salaries. Training of more than 10,000 Community Resource Persons by 248 Master Trainers. To guarantee the successful application of the scheme, the Gujarat government has taken more than a few steps. At the taluka level, 248 Master Trainers have been chosen, who have trained over 10,000 Community Resource Persons to date. These CRPs will support women related to self-help groups. Throughout this process, data are frequently updated in the Digital Livelihood Register, enabling effective monitoring and the provision of training, monetary support, and market linkages to women entrepreneurs.  Source: AWAZ

Saheel Singh 29 Dec 2025

Defence Drones Kamikaze Drones

Army Will Acquire 850 Indigenous Kamikaze Drones Worth Rs 2000 Crore

The Indian Army, in a move to improve its military prowess, will acquire 850 kamikaze drones worth Rs 2000 crore. Leveraging lessons from India's ‘Operation Sindoor’, the Indian Armed Forces is strengthening its defence forces. The acquisition will be cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council later this month, will be a big step in India's approach to contemporary warfare.  According to reports, indigenous drones, sourced from domestic manufacturers, will equip the Army, Navy, and Air Force with pioneering technology to tackle emerging threats. The deal is another example of India's push for self-sufficiency in defence production, aligning with the government's 'Make in India' initiative. As   India is looking to strengthen its position in the region, the kamikaze drones will provide an edge, allow precise strikes and minimizing collateral damage. The Army's experience during Operation Sindoor, where drones were key in targeting terrorist hideouts, has informed this decision. The Indian Army, with plans to invest 30,000 loitering munitions in the near future, is bringing a key change in warfare competencies. The drones will be integrated into infantry battalions, with each unit forming an Ashni platoon dedicated to working these unmanned aerial vehicles.  What Are Kamikaze Drones? The officials stated that Kamikaze drones are drones designed to hover over a target area before crashing into it with explosive payloads. They are cost-effective, high-precision tools used for surveillance and strikes, diminishing collateral damage. As officials stated, the Army plans to have each infantry battalion include an Ashni platoon accountable for operating these drones against enemy locations and in counterinsurgency roles, with the induction of about 30,000 loitering munitions in the near future. Kamikaze Drones Effectiveness During Operation Sindoor The Indian Army has formerly used drones efficiently during Operation Sindoor, targeting terror headquarters inside Pakistan and neutralizing 7-9 terrorist targets. The drones also took on the Pakistan Army, causing enormous damage and casualties. The drones will be sourced from indigenous manufacturers, aligning with India's push for self-dependence in defence technology. Companies such as InsideFPV Ventures and Maharshi Industries are leading the expansion of affordable, high-precision kamikaze drones priced at about $400 per unit. Source: Republic Bharat

Saheel Singh 29 Dec 2025

Drone Training Drone Pilot

UP Farmers Learn AI, Drone Tech Through ‘Kisan Pathshala’

For the first time, women agricultural volunteers recognized as Krishi Sakhis have been allocated key roles alongside farmers, officials from the state agriculture department said. The programme emphases on improving technical knowledge, endorsing modern farming practices and raising consciousness about government schemes amongst cultivators, officials from the state agriculture department said. Farmers in UP are being trained in AI and drone-based farming through the “Kisan Pathshala” programme, an initiative of the state government which links traditional agriculture with contemporary practices, officials said on 20 th December 2025. For the first time, women agricultural volunteers recognized as Krishi Sakhis have been allocated key roles alongside farmers, officials from the state agriculture department said. The programme emphasises improving technical knowledge, endorsing modern farming practices, and raising awareness about government schemes amongst cultivators, officials from the state agriculture department said. In Prayagraj district, Kisan Pathshalas are being organized in 575 villages, benefiting farmers and expanding access to technology-based agricultural solutions, officials said. Deputy director of agriculture in Prayagraj, Pawan Kumar Vishwakarma, said the programme began on December 14. Officials said that drones with multispectral sensors help in crop monitoring, soil assessment and recognizing water stress or nutrient deficiencies. AI-based precision spraying enables targeted use of fertilizers and pesticides, while early detection of pests allows suitable treatment. Data analysis also assists in yield prediction, irrigation planning and nutrient management. The state budget has emphasized strengthening the agricultural sector and growing farmers’ incomes. Officials said access to advanced techniques and technology is vital to attain this goal. The Department of Agriculture is conducting the sessions as part of the initiative “The Million Farmers School 8.0.” He said the initiative decodes budget provisions into on-ground training by connecting farmers with modern technology. Participants are given guidance on cutting-edge practices, including the use of drones and AI in agriculture. The sessions also include interactions with trained “Namo Drone Didis” and experts and resource persons specializing in AI-based farming applications. This year, skilled women farmers are attending the sessions as special guests, accompanied by two progressive male farmers who are sharing their experiences. Officials said farmers’ learning will also be evaluated through a competition, with top performers getting seed and pesticide packets. Source: Hindustan Times

Saheel Singh 29 Dec 2025

Drone Products Drone Production

Budget 2026 Will Give Drone Shakti a Boost through an Incentive-Based Manufacturing Scheme

The Budget 2026 will announce a manufacturing-focused incentive scheme under the Drone Shakti initiative to accelerate indigenous production of drones through a two-tier subsidy framework, government sources said. “The awareness is to give drone manufacturing the kind of lasting fiscal backing that lets companies invest with certainty, instead of relying only on output-based incentives.” The scheme will mark one of the government’s major multi-year fiscal commitments to the drone industry, emphasizing its intent to position India as a global manufacturing hub for civilian drones. The proposed scheme will run for five years and be aligned with the 16 Finance Commission period, may include a fiscal commitment of about Rs 10,000 crore. The finance ministry has cleared the proposal in principle and will approve spending for the full duration upfront, sources said. Unlike the production-linked incentive scheme for drones and drone components, which is linked to value addition and output, the new proposal combines investment-linked incentives with manufacturing support to help build scale in the industry. Two-tier subsidy structure Under the proposed agenda, the first layer of incentives will offer a 10–15 per cent subsidy on capital spending for setting up drone manufacturing units and related infrastructure, sources said. The support will be subject to conditions, including a minimum turnover threshold and time-bound completion of investments. “The idea is to support capacity creation upfront. Companies will be essential to complete capital investment within a certain period of joining the scheme, so that manufacturing capacity comes on stream quickly,” the source said. The second layer will offer a 10–15 percent subsidy linked to manufacturing output, aimed at making domestically produced drones more cost-competitive against imports. It aims to bridge the pricing gap that Indian manufacturers face, as more than a few critical components are still sourced from abroad. “The manufacturing-linked incentive is meant to help Indian firms compete on price. Without some output support, locally made drones struggle to match imported alternatives,” the source said. Graded incentives, late entry allowed The scheme will include a graded incentive structure for companies that join later. Early entrants may obtain the full benefit. “The incentive will be tapered for late entrants, but they will not be put at a disadvantage. The scheme coverage will remain for the full five-year period,” the source said. Local sourcing norms mandatory To address India’s requirement for imported drone components, the scheme will mandate domestic content requirements of about 50–60 per cent as a main eligibility criterion. Companies that depend heavily on imported components will not be able to benefit from all the benefits. “There was a detailed discussion on domestic content. Local sourcing will be obligatory to guarantee genuine manufacturing, not just assembly,” the source said. While the import of fully built drones is limited, Indian manufacturers continue to depend on imported components such as sensors, avionics and propulsion systems, limiting value addition within the nation. Separate from drone PLI Officials said the planned scheme will run distinctly from the existing drone PLI, which was launched with a smaller expenditure and a focus on value addition rather than upfront investment support. “This is not a replacement for PLI. It is a complementary scheme that identifies the requirement for capital support and scale in a sunrise sector,” the government source said. The Drone Shakti initiative was proclaimed in the Budget 2022–23, as part of the government’s broader push to advance the drone ecosystem. The initiative focused mainly on endorsing drone acceptance and services instead of direct manufacturing subsidies. Under Drone Shakti, the government will encourage the use of drones across sectors, such as agriculture, land records, infrastructure, logistics, and mapping, while supporting drone start-ups and skill development. A key thrust was the promotion of Drone-as-a-Service models, allowing farmers, small businesses and government departments to access drone services without owning the equipment. However, Drone Shakti does not offer direct fiscal incentives for setting up manufacturing facilities. Source: Money Control

Saheel Singh 24 Dec 2025

Autonomous Drones Long Range Drones

Indian Army Tests Indigenous Long-Range Drone Built to Beat Electronic Warfare

The Indian Army has moved toward strengthening its indigenous drone competencies with the successful trial of a new long-term drone designed to function even under intense electronic warfare conditions. The test was conducted at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan by the artillery division of the Kharga Corps. The drone, a fixed-wing platform with a range of about 100 kilometres, has been advanced through a collaboration between Chennai-based start-ups and Army engineers from the artillery arm. Senior military leadership observed the trial, which the Army defined as a milestone in its push for self-sufficiency in important technologies.   The Army said the successful demonstration marked a significant advance in the expansion of electronic warfare-resilient drone systems. Unlike conventional unmanned platforms that depend heavily on continuous radio links and satellite-based navigation, the newly tested drone is intended to function in contested electromagnetic environments. Contemporary battlefields more and more see adversaries attempting to jam, spoof or hijack drones by targeting their communication frequencies or GPS signals, frequently rendering them ineffective or even turning them against their operators. To counter such threats, electronic warfare-resilient drones use a combination of cutting-edge technologies. These comprise AI-driven mission control, onboard computing, visual and inertial navigation systems and pre-programmed flight paths that let the drone complete its task without constant external inputs. Anti-jamming communication techniques, for example, frequency hopping, low-probability-of-intercept signals and mesh networking, further improve survivability, while substitute control options can decrease vulnerability to electronic attacks. The emphasis on such systems reflects the varying nature of warfare. Drones are indispensable tools for surveillance, reconnaissance, communication support, logistics and precision strikes. Fresh conflicts, including the brief military confrontation between India and Pakistan earlier this year and the continuing Russia-Ukraine war, have underscored how decisive drones can be on the battlefield. Drawing lessons from these engagements, the Indian Army has been updating its operational doctrines and tactical concepts to integrate drones more deeply into combat roles. A series of field exercises has been conducted across wide-ranging terrains to test and refine the employment of unmanned platforms under realistic conditions. Over the past few years, the Army has inducted a wide spectrum of drones, ranging from small hand-held tactical drones used by infantry units to larger, long-endurance systems capable of operating deep into enemy territory. These platforms have been integrated across arms and services, as well as for tasks such as delivering supplies in high-altitude and remote areas. Simultaneously, the importance of indigenous development is growing. The Army, together with the other services, has been working closely with domestic industry and start-ups to design, develop and manufacture drones tailored to Indian operational requirements. In-house innovation, alongside enhanced training in drone warfare, is seen as critical to maintaining an edge in future conflicts. The successful trial in Rajasthan highlights how this method is starting to yield tangible results, supporting the Army’s broader objective of technological self-dependence while acclimatizing to the realities of contemporary, technology-driven warfare. Source: The Tribune

Saheel Singh 24 Dec 2025

Drone Simulators Drone Training

Enord Secures Landmark Multi-Crore Indian Army Order for Indigenous VR Drone Training Simulators

Enord Pvt. Ltd., a ground-breaking AI-on-Edge drone technology startup, has secured a multi-crore contract from the School of Artillery, Deolali, Nashik, Indian Army, for the supply of Made-in-India Standalone VR Drone Training Simulators. The order has been placed under the Emergency Powers Revenue 2025 mandate, marking a significant milestone in India's drive in the direction of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence technology. Under the contract, Enord will transport 700+ VR drone simulators to Category-A establishments of the Indian Army, spanning 19 units across the country. The disposition will be carried out in three phases, with full completion targeted for Q2 2026, enabling fast, scalable enhancement of drone training infrastructure. The simulators are intended to offer high-fidelity, immersive training for military drone operators without dependence on live drones. The system supports FPV flying, ISR mission rehearsal, emergency response drills, and intricate tactical scenarios, significantly reducing operational risk, cost, and equipment wear while quickening pilot readiness. The award follows an extensive assessment and qualification process, including field trials, thorough performance assessments and strict country-of-origin compliance checks. These audits underline the Army's emphasis on secure, indigenous supply chains. Commenting on the accomplishment, CoFounder and CEO of Enord, said, "This contract is a decisive vote of confidence in young Indian entrepreneurs and in indigenous defence technology. It validates that Indian-built systems can meet and surpass the operational expectations of our armed forces. Guided by our vision of 'Creating Ease,' we are delivering this project on schedule and building a lasting partnership with the Indian Army." Founded on January 29, 2021, Enord emerged from leading incubators across IITs, IIITs, and IIMs. The company focuses on emerging intelligent, autonomous drone and simulation systems that go beyond conventional GPS-based navigation. Its proprietary AI Pilot architecture enables instantaneous perception and decision-making at the edge, letting systems function effectively in GPS-denied and complex environments. With this order, Enord strengthens its position as a key contributor to India's indigenous defence ecosystem, advancing skill development, self-reliance and next-generation military training capabilities. Source: ANI

Saheel Singh 24 Dec 2025

Drone Surveillance Aircraft Training

Indian Navy to Boost Surveillance With MQ-9 Drones, C-295 Aircraft

Boosting Surveillance Capabilities The Indian Navy will improve its surveillance competencies with the induction of indigenous aircraft, said Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi on 18 th December 2025. Speaking to ANI, Admiral Tripathi was of the opinion that the Navy is receiving 31 MQ-9 drones, with 15 for the Navy and 8 each for the Army and Air Force. He added that the Navy is also teaming up with the Coast Guard to obtain the C-295 base aircraft. Also, Admiral Tripathi said the Navy is considering acquiring 6 additional P-8I aircraft to meet its total need of 27. "We need 31 MQ-9s, 15 for the Navy and 8 each for the Army and Air Force... We are looking forward to their induction in 3 or 4 years.   Parallelly, we are looking at one more indigenous case, in which we have teamed up with the Coast Guard for the base aircraft, the C-295. We want to induct 15 medium-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft, and the Coast Guard wants to induct 9 triple MA aircraft. Furthermore, we are considering inducting 6 more P-8Is, as the total requirement is 27. We have gaps in that sense... That case is also progressing,". MH-60R 'Osprey' Squadron Commissioned The Indian Navy commissioned its second MH-60R helicopter squadron, INAS 335, at INS Hansa, Goa, in the presence of Adm Dinesh K Tripathi. Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said that the squadron will add great value to combat readiness and improve the Navy's anti-submarine warfare competence. "Today is a significant day for us and for the Navy that we have commissioned INAS 335 'Osprey', the first operational squadron. One squadron we commissioned in March 2024 in Cochin was the training squadron. This new squadron will add prodigious value to the combat readiness of our surface platforms at sea because it will improve anti-submarine warfare capability, anti-surface warfare capability, maritime domain awareness capability and will also be a deterrent to any platforms, particularly the surface and subsurface platforms of our adversary," the Navy Chief told ANI. Details on the MH-60R Platform He also praised the MH-60R helicopters and expressed enthusiasm about the new deal with the US to procure 24 extra helicopters. "MH-60R is a very potent platform. We are very content that we signed the contract for the induction of 24 MH-60R," he said. The MH-60R is an all-weather, day-and-night-capable helicopter designed for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare, Search and Rescue, Medical Evacuation, and Vertical Replenishment. These helicopters will augment the Indian Navy's integral aviation competencies on the Western Seaboard. Source: MSN

Saheel Singh 22 Dec 2025

Drone Services Drone Agriculture

Drone Tech Contributing to National Security, Agriculture and Smart City Needs, Says Expert

Drone technology and the continuing research are contributing a lot to national security, agricultural modernization, and smart city development, said Dr. K. Krishna Naik, Department of ECE, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing, Kurnool, while delivering a lecture at a national-level workshop on ‘Drone technology on December 15, 2025. Lecturing the students, Dr Naik said that crop health analysis, water resource mapping, traffic monitoring, and border surveillance can be carried out at a lower cost and in less time using drones. He stressed that students who acquire skills in drone hardware design, embedded systems and communication protocols would find outstanding prospects in the industry. He also stressed the necessity for consciousness of safety norms, DGCA guidelines, flight permissions, and no-fly zones. “By aligning academic research with industry requirements, students can explore not only job prospects but also venture into a start-up,” he added. The week-long workshop is being organized under the aegis of the Department of Computer Science, Vikrama Simhapuri University at its Kakatur campus. University Vice Chancellor Prof. Allam Srinivasa Rao said that in the current era of rapid technological progression, the importance of drone technology is increasing day by day. Keeping in view the imminent Drone City in Kurnool, the Vice Chancellor directed the faculty of the Department of Computer Science to initiate M.Sc. programmes in ‘Drones and IoT’ to generate a skilled workforce capable of efficiently using the emerging prospects in this domain. Source: The Hindu

Saheel Singh 19 Dec 2025