Drone Pilot Training - News & Announcements

Defence Drones Drone Defence

India Develops Autonomous Swarm Interceptor 'YAMA' to Counter Drone Attacks

With drones reshaping modern warfare worldwide, India has developed an advanced autonomous swarm interceptor, YAMA. The system is made by the private defence company Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace, which has successfully conducted the first test of India's first autonomous swarm interceptor under its FWD programme. Drones have done a work of note on modern battlefields. From the ongoing tensions between Iran and the US-Israel bloc to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, along with last year's military battle between India and Pakistan, drones were key in surveillance and strikes. This has powered the global demand for anti-drone technologies to new highs. During the Iran, US-Israel confrontation, a key development was that an Iranian drone worth 20,000 dollars evaded a 4-million-dollar US Patriot interceptor. This signalled that future wars might well be decided by who has the more effective and affordable anti-drone defence, rather than just by high-value missile systems. Private Indian Defence Firm Tests 'YAMA' Successfully Concentrating on this fast-changing nature of warfare, Bengaluru-based private defence firm Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace has successfully tested India's first autonomous swarm interceptor. The company has named the interceptor 'YAMA', inspired by the mythological figure Yamaraj. This marks a milestone in India’s defence ecosystem, mainly in the growing participation of private companies in the expansion of high-end military technology. Key features of the 'YAMA' interceptor The 'YAMA' interceptor is specifically designed to neutralize flying warheads and hostile drone swarms. With a cost of just under $10,000 per unit, 'YAMA' offers interception capabilities at up to 100 times the cost of conventional systems. A video has also been released of the successful trial, showing 'YAMA' intercepting drone swarms with precision and destroying them in the air itself.   The officials are of the opinion that this performance demonstrates that low-cost, high-efficiency interception can greatly reinforce India's air defence architecture. Source: India TV

Saheel Singh 06 Mar 2026

Indian Navy Defence Drones

Indian Navy to Get Next-Gen Aerial Target Drones to Boost Air Defence Training

The Defence Ministry has issued a request for information for next-gen expendable aerial target drones as the Indian Navy is on the lookout to improve at-sea training against fast, low-flying threats such as anti-ship missiles and hostile drones. The proposed system, formally designated the Expendable Aerial Target, will be used in live-fire exercises to replicate the speed, flight profile and manoeuvres of contemporary sea-skimming missiles. Unlike reusable drones, these targets will be destroyed during training engagements, offering naval crews with realistic combat scenarios for missile and gun systems. The RFI comes as India’s indigenous target drone programme gathers momentum. The DRDO’s high-speed target drone, Abhyas, has already completed developmental and user trials and entered mass production, marking an important step in expanding domestic capability in this segment. Demanding performance requirements As stated by the RFI, the Navy is on the lookout for a target which can fly at a speed of at least 300 metres per second at low altitude, roughly Mach 0.87, while staying in the air for about an hour. The drone should fly as low as 5 metres above sea level and climb at a rate of at least 20 metres per second. For realistically simulating modern anti-ship threats, the platform must also perform sustained turns of up to 2G. Remote radio control should extend to 100 kilometres from the ground control station. At the same time, the system should also support fully autonomous flight on pre-programmed routes, such as mid-course changes in speed and altitude. The ground control station should be managing at least 6 targets simultaneously. In the event of a data-link failure, the system must be recoverable and consistent with the user’s programme requirements. The drone will have a low radar cross-section by default, with provisions to increase its radar signature using transponders or corner reflectors when needed for training scenarios. For post-engagement analysis, the target should carry an acoustic miss-distance indicator capable of detecting incoming fire, from 20 mm naval guns to surface-to-air missiles, within 10 metres. Operational flexibility is another important requirement. The drone should be launchable from ships or shore facilities using rocket-assisted takeoff and must operate in conditions up to sea state 3 and winds of 30 knots. After ditching at sea, it should be afloat long enough to be recovered by boat or helicopter. The system's service life is about 15 years. Push for indigenization The RFI also underlines India’s broader push for defence self-reliance. The ministry has asked vendors whether the system can be supplied under the “Buy Indian–IDDM” category, which requires over 50% indigenous content, or under the “Buy Indian” category, which requires over 60% local content, in accordance with the provisions of the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020. Strengthening Fleet Air Defence The need for these drones arises with the Indian Navy looking to expand its fleet and strengthen operational readiness. Indian warships position a few surface-to-air missile systems, such as the Barak-8, which require periodic live-fire validation against realistic aerial targets. With INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya in service and naval deployments increasing across the Indian Ocean region, upholding crew proficiency in countering fast, low-altitude threats have become a priority. The induction of next-gen expendable aerial targets will significantly enhance the realism and frequency of such training. Source: Bharat Shakti

Saheel Singh 25 Feb 2026

Drones mq9b

MQ-9B AEW: The Drone that Could Transform India’s Airborne Early Warning

US General Atomics is preparing to introduce a new Airborne Early Warning (AEW) variant of its MQ-9B drone. If inducted, this could have a big positive impact on India’s long-range surveillance and air defence capabilities. The CEO of General Atomics Global said the MQ-9B-AEW would be the first high-altitude, long-endurance drone equipped with an airborne early warning radar, a role initially performed by large, crewed AWACS aircraft. What are MQ-9B Drones? These drones have long battery life, can fly at substantial altitudes, and are designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, as well as precision strike missions. They have an in-air time of more than 30 hours, operate at more than 40,000 feet, and cover vast maritime and land areas. India has already signed a USD 3 billion deal to obtain 31 MQ-9B drones from General Atomics for tri-service use. The future AEW variant will integrate early warning radar onto the same long-endurance platform, efficiently turning the drone into a flying surveillance node which can detect aircraft, drones and missile threats over extended ranges. Airborne early warning systems operate as airborne radar stations, tracking threats and transmitting data to commanders in real time. By mounting these systems on an unmanned drone rather than a large aircraft, militaries can achieve longer endurance, lower operational costs and reduced risk to personnel.   The CEO of the company said that modern conflict “rewards speed, integration and command clarity,” adding that drones help “shorten the sense-decide-act loop” by offering incessant, high-quality intelligence. However, he cautioned that drones are not decisive on their own. “What they actually do is compress time. They expose movements that were hidden and make it harder for any force to manoeuvre without being detected. He emphasised the requirement for a layered architecture, from small tactical drones near the front lines to medium ISR platforms and long-endurance systems operating over land and sea, backed by communications networks, electronic warfare protection and counter-drone capabilities. “The prospect in India is not just to build platforms. It is to build an ecosystem, components, payload integration, software, training and sustainment. If those basics are in place, India will be more than a customer; it will be a strategic hub,” The CEO said, referring to General Atomics’ partnership with Larsen & Toubro to manufacture drone components in India. Source: Money Control

Saheel Singh 24 Feb 2026

Registered Drones Drone Didi Scheme

India Currently has More Than 38,500 Registered Drones, due to the Growing Drone Ecosystem

The adoption of drones in India is on the rise; as a result, the total number of registered drones in the country crossed 38,500 and there are 39,890 certified drone pilots as of February 2026. There are more than 240 approved training organizations present in India, providing skilled drone pilots and maintenance professionals. This rising acceptance of drones reflects the maturation of a complete ecosystem, including manufacturers, software and component developers, service providers, training institutions, certified pilots, start-ups, research organizations, and digital platforms operating within a unified regulatory framework. Drones are now used across sectors such as agriculture, land and property surveys, infrastructure monitoring, disaster assessment and delivery, demonstrating their potential to improve competence, transparency and precision in governance. A total of 3.28 lakh villages were surveyed using drones across the country under the SVAMITVA Scheme. With initiatives supporting women's entrepreneurship, rural access, and domestic manufacturing, the country has developed a coherent framework that drives technological innovation and extensive adoption of drones   To date, women SHGs have received 1,094 drones, including more than 500 units under the Namo DroneDidi initiative , thereby improving productivity and job creation. Indigenous manufacturing, skill development for remote pilots and integration with state and central programmes position India to use drones for infrastructure inspection and national security.   Drones can also monitor the country's railways and highways. With drone adoption in India receiving increasing government support, India will soon become a global leader in drones, developing an ecosystem that balances commercial growth, technological self-reliance, and inclusive development. Source: DD News

Saheel Singh 18 Feb 2026

Make In India Atamnirbhar Bharat

Defence Gets Big Firepower Amidst Pakistan, China Threats

A total of INR 63,733 crore is owed to aircraft and aeroengines, and INR 25,023 crore to the naval fleet. The Defence Ministry has received a 15% increase in its budget, with capital expenditure rising from INR 1.80 lakh crore in the previous year to INR 2.19 lakh crore in FY 2026-27, a 21.84% increase. Recently, India has emphasized on air power. The promotion of indigenous weapons and defence equipment production under the 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' is now clearly visible. The increased defence budget will boost indigenous defence production, enable the acquisition of contemporary weapon systems, and strengthen the armed forces' operational capabilities. Strengthening India's Air Power: The Current Fleet of 36 Rafale Fighter Jets The Defence Ministry is currently working on several large and important projects and will launch new schemes. The Indian Air Force currently operates 36 Rafale fighter jets, which have significantly improved its operational capabilities. The plans to procure additional Rafale jets are also under consideration to meet the Air Force's requirements. UAVs' Role Clarified After Operation Sindoor The Russia-Ukraine war and Operation Sindoor have highlighted the power of air power for India.   It was a firsthand experience for India when drones were used extensively to demolish the Pakistani terrorist camps. This has underlined their increasing role in contemporary warfare. Drones are increasingly used for surveillance, gathering information and precision strikes. The expansion of drone manufacturing and related technologies is a top priority for the Indian government. Many projects are underway, including the acquisition of MQ-9B drones, the development of indigenous drones and the deployment of counter-drones. The government wants to increase domestic production, indigenous weapons production and exports. Following Operation Sindoor, tensions with Pakistan have increased and there are also border challenges with China. Defence Secretary Welcomes the Decision The Defence Secretary welcomed the Budget 2026-27. The allocation for defence pensions has also augmented, with the government assigning INR 1,71,338.22 crore for this purpose. Source: Economic Times

Saheel Singh 03 Feb 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

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

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

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

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 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 Didi Drone Jobs

How Women Drone Pilots in Rural Maharashtra are Cultivating a Green Habit Among Farmers?

Seema Khandade had never seen a woman operate a drone before. Today, she is flying high as one of the farmers who have become drone operators in Maharashtra and among the few who are using the drones to endorse climate-friendly agriculture. Since then, she has become one of the contacts for farmers from neighboring areas who want their fields sprayed. “I go out into the fields on my four-wheeler and start working the remote to lift and control the drone. Soon, a crowd gathers to watch me because the drone is new, as is seeing a woman handle it,” says Khandade. Khandade, who is part of ProRISE, a project by Pune-based Watershed Organization Trust (WOTR), which works in watershed management and climate-resilient rural development, uses it to endorse biological options from her farmer-producer company (FPC). “FPCs are endorsing drones not just as a technology but also as a tool to promote biological options. Farmers might have bought chemical options, but a drone operator can sway them to using green alternatives,” says Sandeep Jadhav, Director, WOTR. Reduced Labour, Lower Chemical Use In India’s agricultural belts, many women have become drone pilots all over India as part of the ‘Drone Didi’ scheme. As said by the plan, 15,000 drones would be provided to women self-help groups, with an expenditure of Rs 1,261 crore for the 2023-24 to 2025-26 period. ProRISE, supported by the Walmart Foundation, a philanthropic and social impact organization, aims to take drone use in agriculture to the next level. Launched in 2023, the project has three drones being operated by three women, each associated with a diverse FPC. The initiative, rolled out in Jalna, Solapur and Dharashiv districts, has reached 2,100 farmers, with approximately 29 per cent more expected to benefit by next month. As stated by Jadhav, early results show clear advantages of reduced labour and time, lower chemical use and more effective pest control. For example, it takes Khandade just about seven minutes for a round of spraying one acre and she charges Rs 500 per acre. This income is a revenue source for the FPC, and she gets a share. “Since we are working with 74 FPCs across four states, we have found that FPCs are concerned about businesses and not the ecosystem around them. When farmers use drones for agriculture, they do not differentiate between harmful chemicals and biological options. We wanted FPCs to continue profiting in their businesses, while not overlooking the ecosystem or the biological aspect of farming. This was our emphasis when we started working with 11 FPCs as part of the drone programme under ProRISE,” says Jadhav. Experts from WOTR told FPCs that, ultimately, failing to look after soil health would affect farmers’ productivity. Business will suffer, and FPCs themselves will be affected. Their profit-making is dependent on the health of the soil and farming practices, they were informed. The programme reached out to rural women to encourage them to become drone pilots. They were trained and certified, while men participated by handling potential challenges, such as safety issues when travelling to remote farms, carrying the heavy drone and navigating difficult terrain. With the project taking off, women like Khandade are now in control. Source: The Indian Express

Saheel Singh 15 Dec 2025

Drone Jobs Drone Photography

India's Drone, Space-Tech Boom to Add over 200,000 jobs by 2033: Report

India's aerospace, drones, and space tech industry will expand over five-fold to USD 44 billion by 2033 and create more than 2 lakh new jobs for engineers, researchers, and data scientists, a report said on Friday. As reported by workforce solutions provider Adecco India, the aerospace, drones, and space tech industry is quickly evolving from a research-driven domain into a developed industry, driven by government reforms, private-sector participation and international collaborations. The nation's drone and space-tech industry will create over 2 lakh new jobs for engineers, researchers, data scientists and business professionals, amongst others, the report added.  Moreover, new-age roles such as Space Policy Analysts, Robotics Engineers, Avionics Specialists, and GNC experts are emerging as important to India's space ambitions, it stated. The insights and numbers presented are derived from data collected across over 100 Adecco clients, supplemented with market research sources. "With robust government vision and a vibrant startup ecosystem, India will become a global space hub, and this will create a wave of prospects for talent across engineering, research, data and business domains," Adecco India Director and Head of General Staffing Deepesh Gupta said. Regions, for example, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Pune, will drive maximum prospects, with wages for niche roles in avionics, cryogenics, Attitude Determination and Control Systems, Remote Sensing Specialists, Space Habitat Engineer commanding a 20-30 per cent premium compared to technical fields, Gupta added. Central to this growth are reforms, for example, the Indian Space Policy 2023, a thriving base of 250+ space startups, and a breakthrough of Rs 1,000 crore VC fund under IN-SPACe to fuel innovation and private-sector participation. "Diversity will be a cornerstone of India's space workforce. Initiatives, for example, the WISE Fellowship, Vigyan Jyoti Programme, ISRO Young Scientist Programme (YUVIKA), and the SAMRIDH Scheme, are already allowing more women to enter technical fields, research, and entrepreneurship. Upcoming milestones that will accelerate talent demand across the ecosystem comprise the Gaganyaan mission, India's contribution in the Axiom-4 ISS program, and the expansion of the nation's own space station. At present, the Indian space economy is contributing around 2 per cent to the global market. The government has set a target of scaling this to USD 44 billion by 2033, including USD 11 billion in exports, positioning India to command 7-8 per cent of the global space economy, according to the report. Source: Business Standard

Saheel Singh 15 Dec 2025

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India’s 900-km Loitering UAV to Fly on Homegrown Wankel Engines, Reducing Foreign Reliance

India is planning to develop cutting-edge long-range drones and 150-kilogram class loitering munitions powered by indigenous Wankel rotary engines, strengthening its strategic drive toward self-reliance in defence technologies. The initiative will reduce the need for foreign suppliers of propulsion systems. This segment is a bottleneck in India’s drone ecosystem, despite key progress in domestic airframe, software and weapons development. The first system to appear from this effort is a 150-kilogram loitering munition-drone hybrid platform, tentatively named ‘Loitering Munition-UAV’. Early specifications specify a standoff strike range of about 900 kilometres and an in-air time of about 9 hours per mission. If validated in trials, the platform would fall into the long-loiter category, providing deep-reach precision-strike capability, extended surveillance, target tracking and instantaneous engagement flexibility. The CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories will partner with a private company to advance and manufacture long-range drones, marking a shift toward deeper industry participation in strategic drone programmes. The partnership signals a move away from largely PSU-led prototypes to a model combining a state-backed R&D strength with private-sector speed, scale and production capability. Wankel rotary engines are a favoured power source for small- and medium-sized drones worldwide because of their compact size, high power-to-weight ratio, low vibration signature and mechanical simplicity compared to traditional piston engines. India’s decision to localize this technology is significant because these engines power many imported loitering systems at present in use or under assessment by the country. Indigenizing the propulsion stack ensures that future Indian unmanned platforms can operate with sovereign supply-chain security, resist geopolitical leverage and integrate more seamlessly with classified mission systems. This would benefit defence PSUs and startups alike by lowering development costs, shortening iteration cycles, and enabling deeper integration with domestically developed strike, navigation and sensor packages. It may also unlock India's export potential in the unmanned-propulsion market, mainly amongst countries seeking non-Western supply alternatives. The headline range figure of 900 kilometers will also depend on aerodynamic efficiency, flight profile optimization, and fuel tank design, making full-scale validation during flight trials essential. The strategic value of the programme lies not only in the 150-kilogram strike platform itself, but in providing a domestic propulsion system that future drone families could inherit. Once flight-tested and production-qualified, the Wankel engine could expand into maritime-surveillance UAVs, swarm-drone nodes and potentially heavier rotary-powered loitering or cruise-type platforms. For now, the announcement carries significant signaling; India is committing to indigenous propulsion in the long-range unmanned-strike segment. The next milestones that will shape market and military confidence will be prototype flight trials, thermal-performance benchmarks, real-world endurance validation and the decision to transition the programme into scaled production.   Source: Indian Express

Saheel Singh 02 Dec 2025

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India's First Fully Mobile, AI-Enabled Anti-Drone Patrol Vehicle Launched

In a substantial upgrade to India's border defence strategy, Indrajaal Drone Defence on 26 November 2025 announced the launch of the 'Indrajaal Ranger', the nation's first Anti-Drone Patrol Vehicle. This innovative, fully mobile, AI-enabled counter-drone system will detect, track, and neutralize hostile drones while they are actively in motion, addressing a critical national security vulnerability. The 'Ranger' is a combat vehicle intended to break away from traditional, stationary anti-drone solutions. Its core competence lies in delivering on-the-move drone detection, instantaneous patrolling and instantaneous interception- a requirement driven by the growing sophistication of cross-border threats. The company's insistence to develop the ADPV was heightened by recent national security incidents that highlighted drones as a key channel for illegal activity. Incidents involving ISI-linked weapon smuggling deep into Indian territory and the reliable neutralization of hundreds of Pakistani drones this year, serving as the main transport for India's massive Rs 3-lakh-crore drug-trafficking network, made the requirement for a fast, mobile response undeniable. Speaking at the launch, Lieutenant General Devendra Pratap Pandey (Retd), PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, praised the innovation. "India's youth deserve a safer nation, free from the shadow of international crime networks," said Lt Gen. Pandey. "Technologies like the Anti-Drone Patrol Vehicle are not just machines; they are shields protecting our children, our farmers and our future. With this new Ranger launch, India and the brave men guarding our borders will be truly grateful for such a transformative contribution." The Indrajaal Ranger will deliver a transformative layer of national security. By cutting off logistical supply routes and monetary channels for criminal operations, it weakens recruitment pipelines of smuggling and extremist networks, reinstating a sense of safety and dignity to vulnerable border communities. Indrajaal is an autonomous counter-UAS and air-defence technology company. Its proprietary autonomy engine, SkyOS, fuses multi-sensor intelligence and instantaneous decision-making into a unified C5ISRT framework.  This lets the company create dynamic "security domes" that protect intricate environments, such as airports, refineries, and military formations, at unprecedented scale. The company has already achieved operational success and is well-positioned for national-level rollouts, having obtained ARDTC certification for the disposition of Counter-UAS systems. Source: NDTV

Saheel Singh 28 Nov 2025

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India to Install Anti-Drone Systems at All Airports Due to Rising Security Concerns

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security have decided to install anti-drone systems at all major and minor civil airports across India. The decision was taken in a high-level joint meeting and comes in the wake of increasing security risks and the likelihood of future war-like situations, senior officials said on Sunday. The government’s decision has been influenced by the experience gained during Operation Sindoor, following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 civilians were killed. After the attack, India and Pakistan were involved in a tense military exchange. Indian forces carried out strikes on terrorist bases inside Pakistan and Pakistani drones were flying over Indian territory, several of which were shot down by India’s defence systems. These events highlighted how drones are being used as tools in contemporary warfare and how they pose risks to civilian areas, including airports. While the lasting plan is to cover all airports, officials said the project will be implemented in phases. In the first phase, anti-drone systems will be installed at Delhi, Mumbai, Amritsar, Jammu and Srinagar airports. These sites were chosen because they have faced higher security threats and were directly involved in the military escalation. First time anti-drone tech will be used at purely civilian airports This is the first time India will position anti-drone systems at airports handling only civilian passenger traffic. Until now, such systems were primarily used by defence and border security agencies. The systems will help detect, track and neutralize any rogue drone entering airport airspace, a significant step as drones have become effective tools in new-age conflict. The MHA is leading the project, while BCAS has formed a committee to handle planning and execution. This committee includes representatives from: • Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) • Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) • Airport security and technical experts • Other relevant stakeholders The government is at present reviewing the technical specifications of the anti-drone equipment. Once confirmed, the MHA will coordinate with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and direct airport operators to connect systems that meet national security requirements. The government is also studying anti-drone models already in use at key airports abroad to accept the most effective technology. Deadlines for installations at various airports will be set after the specifications are approved. Source: mathrubhumi.com

Saheel Singh 27 Nov 2025

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What’s New in the Proposed Drone Bill 2025?

In September 2025, India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation unveiled a Draft Civil Drone Bill, 2025 and the drone industry’s reaction was immediate and visceral. Rather than applause for a long-pending, dedicated drone law, the proposal triggered swift and significant reaction from startups, tech associations and even hobby clubs. Critics argued that the new bill marked a step backwards from the liberal approach that had pushed India’s drone boom since 2021.   Why are Drones So important? The drone sector matters because it can touch many areas, from food production to public safety to healthcare to national security. It’s why India is working on making a booming drone ecosystem and why China is building a low-altitude economy. Before 2021, drones existed in a legal purgatory. The few operators who tried to navigate the system faced 25 forms, 72 fee types and a permission process so opaque that most gave up. The government saw drones as potential security threats, but not much else. Then came the Drone Rules of 2021. The government had become more open to trying out how drones could be configured for the national economy. Now, drones can be used for many purposes and can be of various types, but the rules categorized them and introduced a tiered system based on one simple metric: weight. Nano drones were exempt from registration entirely. This registration gives each drone a “unique registration number”. Hobbyists could also fly micro drones (250g-2kg) without a pilot license. The impact was instant. While drone startups multiplied, the DGCA approved 116 training schools, minting over 16,000 certified pilots. The 120-crore PLI scheme attracted manufacturers, and an import ban on finished drones forced global players to assemble in India. In three years, India went from a drone desert to one of the largest drone markets in the world. The Plot Twist of 2025 In contrast to the 2021 framework, the 2025 bill, while claiming to be more relaxed, is more restrictive. Industry stakeholders have highlighted several problems with it. Universal Registration : Under the new bill, even a small toy drone must be registered before it can be sold. This shifts compliance upstream to manufacturers, who build registration into every product. The toy drone market, worth crores and a gateway for young engineers and students, might shrink as a result. Mandatory Pilot Licensing for Everyone : A person flying a micro-drone would need a Remote Pilot Certificate, just as the self-help group working under the Namo Drone Didi scheme would. For potential entrepreneurs who plan to fly their own drones for testing, this is a letdown. Type Certification Before Manufacturing : No drone can be manufactured, assembled, sold, or operated without DGCA certification. You can’t even build a prototype to test. Criminal Penalties for Paperwork Errors : Flying an unregistered drone is a cognizable offence.   One can be arrested and have one's drone seized without a warrant. Under the 2021 rules, such violations were subject to administrative fines. Universalinsurance : Every operator must have third-party insurance covering 2.5 lakh for death and 1 lakh for injury, on a no-fault basis. For a researcher or a rural SHG operating on a limited budget, this is a tall ask. It seems like the new bill puts a price on innovation, rather than regulating with balance. Why This Matters Beyond Drones The controversy reveals a deeper tension in India’s economic policy. Since 2014, the government has supported “ease of doing business” and “Make in India.” The 2021 drone rules were advancing both those goals. The 2025 bill, though, represents a reversal of that. The US Federal Aviation Administration frees recreational flyers from licensing. The EU’s Open Category requires a simple online test for low-risk drones. China also lets hobbyists fly without pilot certificates. India’s draft bill would make it an outlier. The economic stakes are huge. Agriculture alone seems to need thousands of drones for the Kharif season. The defence sector is building an indigenous drone arsenal worth thousands of crores. Logistics companies are betting on drones that could revolutionize e-commerce delivery. All this needs a pipeline of innovators students tinkering in labs, startups repeating in green zones, SHGs learning by doing. In March 2021, the government notified the UAS Rules, 2021, a predecessor to the existing draft that was so restrictive it was dead on arrival. Industry pushed back so fiercely that within months, the government scrapped it and replaced it with the liberalized Drone Rules we have today. The 2025 draft has faced near-universal criticism. NASSCOM has called for withdrawing the bill entirely. The consultation period, which was set at just two weeks, has been extended. Industry bodies are pushing for precise amendments: restoring R&D exemptions, decriminalizing minor violations, creating a classified penalty system and so on. There is a possibility that the bill will either be heavily revised or, like its 2021 predecessor, quietly shelved. The Ministry of Civil Aviation comprehends that India’s drone dream cannot survive if the very people building it are treated as criminals. This sets a precedent for how India controls emerging technologies, and we’ll be asking this question a lot more as AI and humanoids rise. The 2021 rules showed what happens when regulators trust citizens: innovation explodes and India becomes competitive. The 2025 bill shows what happens when fear trumps that trust. This new bill straddles the old line between regulation and innovation. The question is whether we require regulation that pre-emptively protects us from a future that doesn’t exist or regulation that lets us build it. Source: www.civilaviation.gov.in

Saheel Singh 24 Nov 2025

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India’s First ‘Sky Factory’ Will Build 1,000 Electric Air Taxis a year in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh will build India’s first “giga-scale” electric air taxi manufacturing cluster in Anantapur, with Karnataka-based Sarla Aviation committing an investment of INR 1,300 crore. The partnership was announced on 18 th November 2025, following the signing of an MoU by Sarla Aviation and the Andhra Pradesh Airport Development Corporation Ltd at the CII Partnership Summit 2025 in Visakhapatnam. The development follows Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s new announcement that the state will begin producing drone taxis in two years. At the centre of the plan is the upcoming “Sky Factory”, which Sarla says will rank amongst the world’s largest facilities for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. In the first phase, the company will invest 330 crores to set up a 150-acre manufacturing and testing campus at Thimmasamduram village in Kalyanadurg mandal. The site will have production lines, R&D labs, composite units and a dedicated 2-km runway for testing and certification. A second phase will increase the facility by another 350 acres. Once fully operational, the Sky Factory will produce up to 1,000 aircraft a year, including Sarla’s Shunya hybrid VTOL and a range of indigenously built electrical harnesses, landing gear systems and composite structures. The project will generate high-value employment by 2027, starting with 40 specialized positions and 140 indirect jobs. Rakesh Gaonkar, cofounder and CTO at Sarla Aviation, said the project is designed to place India at the centre of next-gen aviation. “With the world’s biggest Sky Factory, we want to make India the nerve centre for the next era of flight. This giga facility will shape the aircraft of the future and establish India as a force in sustainable aerial mobility,” he said. APADCL will act as a tactical facilitator to fast-track the project and build the surrounding ecosystem. The state government said the association marks a major step in its push to establish Andhra Pradesh as a hub for cutting-edge manufacturing, aerospace innovation and green mobility.   Source: Business Today

Saheel Singh 21 Nov 2025

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DroneNova India to Launch Nation's First Drone Soccer League at ESFE 2025

DroneNova India Pvt. Ltd. has announced the launch of India's first-ever Drone Soccer League (DSL) and opened enrolments for its on-campus Drone STEM Workshops. The initiatives will be unveiled at the upcoming Education Supply & Franchise 2025, where DroneNova is the official sponsor. The ESFE 2025, scheduled from December 11 to 13, 2025, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, will bring together the most influential leaders, educators and policy influencers shaping the future of Indian education. The event will have the likes of Dr Niranjan Hiranandani as Guest of Honour, alongside distinguished speakers Sonal Pinto, Director, Ryan Group of Schools; Lina Ashar, Founder, Dreamtime Learning and Syed Sultan Ahmed, Chairperson, TAISI. The three-day expo will provide transformative solutions for India's quickly evolving education ecosystem. DroneNova's revolutionary Drone Soccer League, a first-of-its-kind initiative, transforms classrooms into live arenas of innovation. With the help of this program, students will pilot safe, sub-250g drones in a net-caged field, learning physics, coding, teamwork and strategy in an appealing, competitive environment. We want to make India a global hub for drone-based experiential education that inspires curiosity, collaboration and creativity in every learner," said Himansshu Jainn, Founder, DroneNova India. "Every flight is a science lesson; every goal is a leadership moment. With Drone Soccer, students don't just learn concepts, they live them." The program aligns with the priorities of NEP 2020 on experiential learning and 21st-century skill-building, complements Skill India pathways and adheres to India's evolving Drone Policy framework. Intended as a turnkey offering, it offers schools with equipment, safety infrastructure, certified trainers and curriculum-linked modules aligned with NEP, IB MYP, and IGCSE standards, ensuring both academic depth and operational ease. To catalyze a national movement, DroneNova is inviting 10 visionary institutions to join as "Founding Partner Schools" DroneNova India to Launch Nation's First Drone Soccer League at ESFE 2025. Advertorial Disclaimer: visionary institutions to join as Founding Partner Schools, who will obtain exclusive benefits as well as priority workshop scheduling, lifetime partnership privileges and guaranteed regional qualifier slots for the Drone Soccer League. By sponsoring ESFE 2025, DroneNova India will showcase how drones, STEM and sport can converge to redefine classroom learning and inspire a new generation of innovators. Source: ANI

Saheel Singh 19 Nov 2025