Optiemus Unmanned Systems (OUS), a subsidiary of Optiemus Infracom, is set to transform the agricultural and mapping sectors with its newly launched range of indigenously designed drones. With a focus on advancing agritech, OUS introduces innovative solutions to enhance crop management and precision mapping, aiming to drive significant improvements in productivity and operational efficiency across these critical industries.
Launch of New Drones
At the 5th Drone International Expo held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, OUS showcased its latest drone models tailored for agriculture and mapping. The newly unveiled drones include:
- Agri Shakti 10L: This advanced agricultural drone features a 10-liter spray tank and can efficiently cover an acre in approximately 7 minutes. It boasts a flight duration of up to 15 minutes, with a starting price of ₹2.25 lakhs plus GST, providing an affordable solution for large-scale farming operations.
- Vajra QC P20: Designed for precision agriculture and mapping, this 2 kg drone offers a flight time of over 30 minutes and a maximum range of 4 km. It can survey areas of 0.5 to 1 sq. km., making it ideal for optimizing crop health and enhancing yield predictions.
Advancing Agritech with Localisation and Service Expansion
OUS is not only focusing on cutting-edge drone technology but also on localising its production to boost the agritech ecosystem. The company aims to achieve 75% indigenisation of its drone components by the end of the fiscal year, having already localised critical parts such as the power distribution board, anti-spark switch, flight controller, airframe, and motor.
The company is also transitioning to a ‘drone as a service’ model to better serve its target markets. OUS plans to train 6,000 pilots to operate a fleet of 5,000 drones by the end of 2025, with projected service revenues between ₹600 to ₹900 crore. This approach aims to address challenges such as operational know-how and availability of spare parts.
Commitment to After-Sales Support
To ensure seamless operations and maintenance, OUS will maintain a stock of drones and components for after-sales support, backed by a team of qualified technical professionals. Optiemus Infracom Chairman Ashok Kumar Gupta emphasized, “Our goal is to revolutionize traditional farming practices and improve crop yields while promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship. We are committed to leveraging our drone technology expertise to provide effective and affordable solutions for agriculture and mapping.”
Strategic Investment to Fuel Growth
In support of its ambitious plans, OUS will invest approximately ₹140 crore to expand its drone manufacturing operations and service offerings. This investment will enable the company to enhance its production capabilities and support the widespread adoption of its advanced drone technologies. The investment is part of OUS’s broader strategy to drive innovation in agritech and further establish itself as a leader in the drone industry.