Garuda Aerospace Opens Agri-Drone Facility and 300 CoEs in India

13 Jun 2025 CW Team

Spread across 35,000 sq ft, the Agri-Drone Indigenization Facility is the first of its kind in India, aimed at the design, manufacturing, and testing of advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). With a focus on self-reliance, the facility will locally manufacture 7 subsystems and 33 parts, in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

The 300 CoEs, set up in collaboration with academic and industry partners, will provide after-sales support and training, creating employment and fostering innovation across the drone ecosystem. These centres are part of Garuda’s broader aim to develop a skilled drone workforce across India.

The DGCA-approved Train the Trainer (TTT) programme will certify professionals to become drone instructors. It provides hands-on training in UAS operations, safety protocols, and pedagogy, ensuring effective skill transfer in compliance with DGCA norms.

At the event, Shri Kamlesh Paswan said, “What touched me most was seeing women, who once never stepped out of their homes, now confidently flying drones thanks to the visionary Drone Didi initiative.” He praised the indigenisation effort and applauded Garuda’s youth-led leadership in advancing Prime Minister Modi’s vision for entrepreneurship and rural empowerment.

Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO, Garuda Aerospace, said, “Our facility is equipped to manufacture 33 parts and 7 subsystems, reinforcing our self-reliance. We aim to meet the target of 1 lakh Made-in-India drones by 2026.”

Garuda Aerospace, backed by government schemes such as Namo Drone Didi, SMAM subsidy, and the PLI scheme, has already delivered 4,000 drones and plans to supply 2,000 more under ongoing government initiatives. It is also the first Indian drone firm to hold dual DGCA certifications for manufacturing and training.

With its integrated approach—spanning manufacturing, skilling, and research—Garuda Aerospace is building a future-ready, sustainable, and globally competitive drone ecosystem rooted in innovation and inclusivity.

Shri Kamlesh Paswan, Hon'ble Union Minister of State for Rural Development, today inaugurated Garuda Aerospace’s Agri-Drone Indigenization Facility in Chennai. The minister also flagged off 300 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and launched the DGCA-approved Train the Trainer (TTT) drone skilling programme in the presence of Bharat Drone Association members and Drone Didis, who gave a live demonstration of agri-drone operations. Spread across 35,000 sq ft, the Agri-Drone Indigenization Facility is the first of its kind in India, aimed at the design, manufacturing, and testing of advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). With a focus on self-reliance, the facility will locally manufacture 7 subsystems and 33 parts, in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The 300 CoEs, set up in collaboration with academic and industry partners, will provide after-sales support and training, creating employment and fostering innovation across the drone ecosystem. These centres are part of Garuda’s broader aim to develop a skilled drone workforce across India. The DGCA-approved Train the Trainer (TTT) programme will certify professionals to become drone instructors. It provides hands-on training in UAS operations, safety protocols, and pedagogy, ensuring effective skill transfer in compliance with DGCA norms. At the event, Shri Kamlesh Paswan said, “What touched me most was seeing women, who once never stepped out of their homes, now confidently flying drones thanks to the visionary Drone Didi initiative.” He praised the indigenisation effort and applauded Garuda’s youth-led leadership in advancing Prime Minister Modi’s vision for entrepreneurship and rural empowerment. Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO, Garuda Aerospace, said, “Our facility is equipped to manufacture 33 parts and 7 subsystems, reinforcing our self-reliance. We aim to meet the target of 1 lakh Made-in-India drones by 2026.” Garuda Aerospace, backed by government schemes such as Namo Drone Didi, SMAM subsidy, and the PLI scheme, has already delivered 4,000 drones and plans to supply 2,000 more under ongoing government initiatives. It is also the first Indian drone firm to hold dual DGCA certifications for manufacturing and training. With its integrated approach—spanning manufacturing, skilling, and research—Garuda Aerospace is building a future-ready, sustainable, and globally competitive drone ecosystem rooted in innovation and inclusivity.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..