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Uttar Pradesh Takes Off: Gurugram-Based Ig Drones Partners With State For Advanced Drone Manufacturing Facility
Gurugram-based drone technology company IG Drones has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Uttar Pradesh government to establish an advanced drone manufacturing and research facility in the UP Defence Corridor. The facility, expected to focus on producing indigenous drones for India’s defence forces, marks a significant step towards establishing Uttar Pradesh as a hub for aerospace and defence innovation.
The MoU represents a commitment to India’s self-reliance in defence technology, according to Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, founder and CEO of IG Drones. The new facility will serve as a hub of innovation, manufacturing, and employment, with plans to produce over 100,000 units of its FPV Striker Drone annually.
The FPV Striker Drone, designed and tested in India, is built for rapid deployment and precision targeting. With the global drone market projected to exceed $55 billion by 2030, IG Drones is looking to expand both domestically and internationally. The company’s subsidiary, IG Defence, has also signed a contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to implement a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) tool tracking system.
This system aims to enhance airbase safety and efficiency by streamlining tool management and inventory tracking. India’s MS Dhoni-backed drone company, Garuda Aerospace, has also received an export license, clearing the way for its entry into the US, Australian, and Middle Eastern markets. The company will focus on agricultural and security drone applications in these regions.
Garuda Aerospace plans to begin its global expansion with the Garuda Kisan Drone, developed specifically for precision farming in the US and Australia. The company’s CEO, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, stated that the export license is a “monumental step” towards achieving this goal, reflecting the company’s commitment to diversifying revenue streams beyond India.
The Indian government has allocated ₹500 crore (approximately $57 million) to support the ‘Namo Drone Didi’ scheme, which aims to modernize agriculture and empower rural women through drone technology. The scheme will provide drones to 15,000 Self-Help Groups (SHGs), generating at least ₹1 lakh (approximately $1,200) in additional annual income for each participating SHG.
Maharashtra has introduced the ‘Namo Drone Didi’ program as part of its 2024-25 budget, aiming to integrate advanced technology into agriculture while promoting women’s economic empowerment. The initiative will equip 325 Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with agricultural drones, providing them with tools and training to enhance farming efficiency.
The UK Agricultural Drone Industry Association (UKADIA), recently launched by its founding members, aims to represent the fast-growing agricultural drone industry in the UK. AVPL International, a Gurugram-based drone tech startup, has successfully established 30 Aero Vision Labs across 13 Indian states and union territories in partnership with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). The initiative aims to enhance technical education by providing practical drone training to students and faculty.
The signing of the MoU marks a step towards technological sovereignty, with IG Drones aiming to strengthen India’s defence capability through indigenous innovation. As the Indian government continues to support the growth of the drone industry, it is clear that Uttar Pradesh is poised to become a major hub for aerospace and defence innovation, driving economic growth and employment opportunities in the region.