In a groundbreaking announcement, Garuda Aerospace, a leading drone manufacturer, has committed to a substantial investment of Rs 100 crore to establish a ‘Drone City’ in Andhra Pradesh. This ambitious project is set to take shape in Orvakal village, located in the Kurnool district, and aims to position India at the forefront of drone innovation on a global scale.
The decision to develop this Drone City emerged from a strategic discussion with Minister of Civil Aviation, Rama Mohan Naidu Ji. During this meeting, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, the Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, underscored the alignment of the project with national development initiatives. The Drone City will serve as a hub for drone innovation, fostering cutting-edge research, attracting top talent, and nurturing a thriving ecosystem for drone technology.
Garuda Aerospace’s significant investment aligns seamlessly with its broader vision of making India a leading global drone hub. This vision reflects the company’s commitment to the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra,’ contributing to national progress while also supporting initiatives like ‘Namo Drone Didi,’ which empowers rural women through the use of drones.
The company’s strategic expansion is marked by its rapid growth across both Indian and international markets. Garuda Aerospace has already secured six crucial approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), including Type Certification and Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) approvals. These approvals underline the company’s adherence to stringent regulatory standards and its readiness to expand its operations.
Agnishwar Jayaprakash articulated the company’s ambitions, stating, “We envision the Drone City as a hub for drone innovation, fostering cutting-edge research, attracting top talent, and propelling India to the forefront of drone technology. This investment aligns perfectly with our vision of expanding our global footprint, pursuing an IPO, and continuing to develop innovative drone solutions that address critical societal challenges.”
The announcement comes amidst Garuda Aerospace’s notable achievements and partnerships. Recently, the company has entered into a pact with French multinational Thales to further develop the drone ecosystem. Additionally, Garuda Aerospace’s strategic moves include establishing a dedicated defence drone facility near Chennai and unveiling a border patrol surveillance drone.
Furthermore, the company has caught the attention of investors and industry stakeholders, including cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who backs the company with aspirations to sell 50,000 agricultural and consumer drones in the coming years. Garuda Aerospace’s influence extends to space technology as well, having received its first order from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Garuda Aerospace’s initiatives come at a time when India is envisioned as a ‘bright spot’ in global manufacturing despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, as noted in the Economic Survey. This timing complements the broader economic landscape as India stands poised to expand its industrial capabilities.
As Garuda Aerospace continues to cement its position in both the Indian and global drone sectors, its endeavours align with the dynamic expectations of the industry and government initiatives aimed at enhancing economic growth and technological innovation.
In the backdrop of these developments, the anticipation surrounding Budget 2025 remains high, as stakeholders and industry leaders await potential policy announcements that could further bolster the growth and innovation trajectories of companies like Garuda Aerospace. With numerous economic indicators suggesting positive trends, India’s aerospace and technology sectors are expected to continue their ascent on the global stage.