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Mumbai To Launch Drone-Based Delivery System in Early 2026
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Mumbai To Launch Drone-Based Delivery System in Early 2026

  Mumbai is set to launch a futuristic drone delivery system, where residents will receive daily essentials, packages and e-commerce orders via drones. The delivery service will commence in the first quarter of 2026 in a Wadala society, marking Mumbai's first residential drone delivery initiative. Drone Firm, Developer Partner for Smart Urban Living A drone delivery company and a real estate developer have come together to acquaint with smart, sustainable urban living solutions in Mumbai. Skye Air will present the first drone delivery infrastructure in Mumbai for the residents of Wadala's Siddha Sky housing society, with its first skye-pod installation at the society. The residents will receive daily essentials, packages, and e-commerce orders via drones at a designated Skye-Pod zone set up on the premises for safe and seamless collection. According to Skye Air, each drone can cover 1km in 60 seconds, with a maximum range of 30 km, offering residents doorstep deliveries in minutes. The company has claimed to leverage its flagship drone, Skye Ship One, which can lift 10kg of shipment in one flight through coordinated drone corridors, the Skye Tunnel. The first phase of drone-enabled delivery services is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2026, marking Mumbai's first residential drone delivery initiative. Successful Operations in NCR, Bengaluru Skye Air claims to deliver more than 2 lakh monthly shipments in Delhi-NCR, serving 27 locations in Gurugram, two in Faridabad and one each in Ghaziabad and Bengaluru. They have partnered with delivery platforms like Bluedart, Flipkart, Shiprocket, and others, guaranteeing that residents enjoy faster, safer and greener delivery experiences right at their doorstep. The initiative will also reduce traffic congestion, minimise carbon emissions and promote sustainable logistics by taking a portion of last-mile delivery off Mumbai's crowded roads. ‘A Defining Step for Mumbai,’ Says Skye Air CEO Ankit Kumar, founder and CEO of Skye Air, said, "We are marking a defining step in shaping the future of drone-powered deliveries in Mumbai. With advanced skye-pods and AI-based route optimization via Skye UTM, we are setting a new standard for tech-enabled urban mobility, transforming the residential complex into a smart logistics node. This is more than a delivery revolution; it is the beginning of a new era in smart city infrastructure." Drone Delivery to Cut Congestion and Emissions Capt. Eshaan Khullar, vice president at Skye Air, said, "Mumbai, like most major metros, faces rising challenges from traffic congestion, delivery delays and increasing carbon emissions. With over five lakh daily last-mile deliveries across the city, traditional logistics systems are struggling to keep pace with demand. Drone-based delivery offers a futuristic, sustainable solution, making faster, safer, and contactless access to goods while significantly reducing on-road traffic and pollution.” Source : Free Press Journal

Saheel Singh 14 Nov 2025
NASSCOM Opposes New Drone Bill, Calls for Stronger Enforcement Under Existing Rules
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NASSCOM Opposes New Drone Bill, Calls for Stronger Enforcement Under Existing Rules

The National Association of Software and Service Companies has questioned the requirement in the government’s proposed Civil Drone Bill, 2025, saying it could undo the liberalization achieved under the present regulatory framework. What the Draft Civil Drone Bill Proposes The Civil Aviation Ministry released the draft Bill in September, seeking to start a statutory framework for drones. The Bill will replace the Drone Rules, 2021 and sets out provisions for: Registration and Type Certification of all Drones, with no exemptions for small or hobby models. Compulsory safety and security features to be agreed upon by the government. Obligatory third-party insurance for all drone operators. Criminal consequences for violations, along with imprisonment of up to three years in some cases. Authority for law implementation to detain drones and related apparatus for up to seven days if a violation is suspected. The bill also establishes a compensation mechanism for drone-related accidents Why NASSCOM says a New Law isn’t Needed? NASSCOM’s central argument is that there is “no clear justification” for a complete legislative overhaul. The industry body said the Drone Rules, 2021, together with the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, already provide a comprehensive framework for safety, accountability and oversight. Instead of introducing a new statute, NASSCOM argued, the government should focus on better enforcement of existing rules. What the Draft Civil Drone Bill proposes The Ministry of Civil Aviation released the draft Bill in September, seeking to create a statutory framework for drones. The Bill will replace the Drone Rules, 2021, and sets out provisions for: Drone Registration, with no exemptions for small drones. Mandatory safety and security features to be arranged by the government. Compulsory third-party insurance for all drone operators. Criminal penalties are levied for violations, including imprisonment of up to three years in some cases. Authority for law implementation to detain drones and related equipment for up to 7 days if a violation is suspected. The bill also introduces a compensation mechanism for drone accidents Why NASSCOM says a New Law isn’t Needed NASSCOM’s central argument is that there is “no clear justification” for a comprehensive legislative overhaul. The industry body said the Drone Rules, 2021, together with the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, already provide a comprehensive framework for safety, accountability, and oversight. Instead of introducing a new statute, NASSCOM argued, the government should emphasize better implementation of current rules. Exemptions for Educational Projects, Hobbyists Removed : The Drone Bill eliminates earlier exemptions for nano drones, hobbyist models and educational projects, compelling students and researchers to get certification and registration. Criminalization of Minor Offences : The bill recommends imprisonment and criminal liability for procedural violations that may not include safety risks. Lack of Focus on Innovation : The bill lacks provisions to support R&D, domestic manufacturing or export incentives. NASSCOM warned that these provisions could create uncertainty and discourage startups from entering the drone sector. What are the Recommendations of the Industry Body? Instead of scrapping the Drone Rules, 2021, NASSCOM has suggested targeted amendments to strengthen enforcement and compliance mechanisms. Its proposals include introducing a graded penalty framework that distinguishes between civil and criminal offences; establishing a drone claims tribunal to handle accident-related disputes; allowing the digital levy and the payment of penalties through online systems, and so on. Why This Matters? India’s drone industry will reach $USD 4.9 billion by the end of this decade, growing at a 44% CAGR. NASSCOM argued that the sector's growth depends on regulatory certainty and ease of doing business. The Ministry of Civil Aviation is yet to announce a timeline for finalizing the Bill.

Saheel Singh 07 Nov 2025
87 MALE Drones will Wreak Havoc; the Defence Ministry's 30,000 Crore Plan
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87 MALE Drones will Wreak Havoc; the Defence Ministry's 30,000 Crore Plan

87 MALE Drones will Wreak Havoc; the Defence Ministry's 30,000 Crore Plan The Indian Army, positioned around the clock to make India's borders impregnable, will receive a major boost in its strength. This will not only suit modern warfare conditions but also modernize the army's entire fleet. The Indian Defence Ministry is preparing to launch a major revolution in the country's drone manufacturing sector. The Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone program has now entered an important phase, aiming to improve instantaneous surveillance and intelligence along the land and maritime borders with China and Pakistan. The Defence Acquisition Council has accepted the acquisition of 87 indigenous MALE drones, which will cost about INR 30,000 crore. How Will the Purchase be Conducted? The most significant aspect of this major procurement is that the contract will be divided between two competing Indian firms in a 64:36 ratio. This essentially means that two separate and independent manufacturing units for MALE drones will be established in India, increasing production speed and enabling faster fulfilment of future orders. The armed forces will soon seek expressions of interest from Indian companies, following which extensive testing will be conducted. What is the Ministry of Defence's Plan? The Ministry of Defence has issued specific guidelines for this ambitious project, emphasizing the importance of indigenization. The total order, worth over ₹30,000 crore, will be divided between the two lowest bidders. The prime contractor will receive 64 per cent, and the other 36 per cent. As such, the selected companies will be required to manufacture the airframe and primary components locally. The engines will also be assembled and tested in India. At least 60 percent of the content must be indigenous. What is the Speciality of MALE Drones? These drones will act as a force multiplier for the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy, significantly enhancing India's combat capability. These MALE drones will be capable of performing a variety of tasks, including intelligence (ISR), surveillance, reconnaissance missions, electronic warfare, and precision strike. Furthermore, these drones will be designed to fly for over 30 hours at altitudes exceeding 35,000 feet, enabling them to conduct continuous surveillance over long distances. India has previously procured MALE drones from foreign suppliers, such as Israel. The feat of this indigenous program will reduce foreign dependence. Source: Zee News

Saheel Singh 05 Nov 2025
800 Swarm Drone Systems are in the Pipeline, IAF is Preparing for Major Deployments
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800 Swarm Drone Systems are in the Pipeline, IAF is Preparing for Major Deployments

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to acquire 800 Medium Range Swarm Unmanned Munition Systems (SUMS). According to a report, these swarm drones can target enemy positions at ranges of over 350 kilometres with pinpoint accuracy. These drones, equipped with loitering munitions, locate enemy positions, identify them and then attack them with pinpoint accuracy, destroying them. This System can Deploy 20 Drones at a Time According to a Tribune India report, each Medium Range Swarm Unmanned Munition System (SUMS) can deploy a swarm of at least 20 drones in sequence. They can hover for at least half an hour over a designated area of ​​over 350 kilometres, identify targets and then launch a full-scale attack. They can identify both stationary and moving targets. These Swarm Drones are Extremely Lethal According to a Request for Proposals received by the Ministry of Defence on October 25, these drones will jam enemy air defence systems, evade radar and enable the Indian Air Force to target enemy command-and-control systems within a few hours. The Air Force requires fixed-wing drones that can run on both jet engines and batteries. These drones can carry weapons weighing up to 30 kg. They will also be equipped with essential sensors, electronic jammers, communication systems, and navigation equipment.   They Can Fly in Temperatures Ranging from -20°C to 50°C These drones will operate effectively at altitudes ranging from sea level to 16,000 feet. They can be launched and recovered from rough roads and ship decks. These drones will operate reliably over a temperature range of -20°C to 50°C. The Rising of Drones in Modern Warfare Drones have transformed battlefields in the modern era. They are used for attacks, surveillance and even for cargo transportation. Following their success in Operation Sindoor and ongoing conflicts with other countries, drones have been adopted by every branch of the Indian Army. They are seen as cost-effective and a tool that reduces risk for soldiers. Source : Navbharat Times

Saheel Singh 29 Oct 2025
You will be on the Radar as soon as the Drone is Flown, and the Portal will have Data on Every Purchase, an Order from the Yogi Government
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You will be on the Radar as soon as the Drone is Flown, and the Portal will have Data on Every Purchase, an Order from the Yogi Government

Flying a drone without permission will no longer be easy. You'll be on radar as soon as you fly it. The UP government has taken a major step in the realm of security. Under this initiative, the seller is required to provide complete information on the portal, from the drone's purchase to its intended use. As a pilot project, this system has been implemented in 10 police Commissionerate districts, including Gorakhpur, Ayodhya and Mathura. Later, it will be implemented across the state. The online portal "Unified Drone Application and Authorization Network (UP UDAN), developed under the state's "Drone Operations Security Policy-2023," is now officially live. The portal is available at https://udaan.up.gov.in and will operate under the operational support period until August 4, 2026. Through this, all processes related to drone operations, permits, sales and monitoring will be recorded and controlled online on a single platform. Flying drones without registration has been prohibited. Security Headquarters, Lucknow, has directed the Police Commissioners of the state's Police Commissionerate districts and the Senior Superintendents of Police of Gorakhpur, Ayodhya, and Mathura to conduct a registration drive for drone operators and sellers in their respective districts and submit action reports to Headquarters. A "Drone Register" should be maintained in each district, and all drone information should be recorded on the "UP UDAN" portal. Officials say this system will not only strengthen security and surveillance, but it will also play a vital role in surveys, traffic monitoring, and disaster relief operations. Immediate Action will be taken on Illegal or Suspicious Flights. Omninet Technology Private Limited has developed this portal. According to the platform, it will make drone operations transparent and accountable. A digital record will be maintained for every registered drone, and security agencies will be able to take immediate action on any illegal or suspicious flight. Districts Included in the Pilot Project Under the pilot project, the following districts have been included in this system: Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Ayodhya, Mathura, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Agra, Gautam Buddha Nagar, and Ghaziabad. Later, there are plans to implement it across the state. What Did the Police Say? City SP Abhinav Tyagi said that all police station in-charges have been instructed to register drones compulsorily. So far, 171 drones have been registered in Gorakhpur, and registration for the remaining is ongoing. The government has issued guidelines regarding where and at what altitude registered drones should be flown. Legal action will be taken against those who fly drones in violation of these instructions. Source: Hindustan

Saheel Singh 27 Oct 2025
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