Tamil Nadu to establish first testing centre for drones

Tamil Nadu government announces plans to establish the country's inaugural Common Testing Centre for Unmanned Aerial Systems (drones), a crucial initiative to boost the aerospace and defence industry. The state's Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) is spearheading the project as part of the TN Defence Industrial Corridor strategy. This move addresses the absence of such testing facilities that previously acted as entry barriers for aerospace and defence organizations. A consortium including Keltron, Sense Image Technologies, Standards Testing and Compliance, and Avishka Retailers has been selected through a transparent bidding process to partner with TIDCO in creating the facility, projected to cost around Rs 45 billion. The testing centre, slated for construction at the SIPCOT Industrial Park in Vallam Vadagal, near Sriperumbudur, marks a significant step towards Tamil Nadu's contribution to bolstering India's self-reliance in the aerospace and defence sector. Minister for Industries TRB Rajaa highlights the centre's importance in attracting investors and positioning Tamil Nadu as a preferred hub for aerospace and defence companies.