Garuda Aerospace, a Chennai based drone technology company, unveiled its new Agri-Drone Indigenization Facility in Thalambur, Chennai, alongside the nationwide rollout of 300 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and the launch of its DGCA approved Train the Trainer (TTT) programme. The launch event brought together key stakeholders from the drone industry, including members of the Bharat Drone Association and featured live drone demonstrations by trained women operators known as “Drone Didis.”
These developments mark a coordinated effort to expand domestic drone manufacturing, scale rural skilling and foster local innovation. The facility was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan.
Agri-Drone Indigenization Facility
The new facility, spread over 35,000 square feet, is positioned as India’s first dedicated centre for the design, manufacturing and rigorous testing of advanced agricultural drones (Unmanned Aerial Systems, UAS). Garuda Aerospace aims to manufacture over one lakh drones by 2026 in alignment with the vision set forth by Prime Minister of India to position India as a global drone hub. The facility is currently producing seven subsystems and 33 components domestically and has already delivered 4,000 drones. This effort supports the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mission and enhances India’s capabilities in high technology manufacturing.
During the inauguration, Minister Kamlesh Paswan remarked on the unprecedented scale of the facility, expressing that he had never before witnessed over 2,000 agri drones showcased at a single location. He commended Garuda Aerospace for this achievement and emphasized its alignment with national objectives in drone innovation and rural development.
300 Centres of Excellence for Rural Skill and Service Expansion
Alongside the facility launch, Garuda Aerospace introduced 300 Centres of Excellence strategically located across the country. These centres have been established in partnership with academic institutions and industry stakeholders. The CoEs are intended to function as training and after sales service hubs, contributing to drone related research, innovation and skill enhancement. The initiative is expected to generate employment, particularly in rural regions, and reinforce the government’s focus on technology led transformation in agriculture.
Each CoE will contribute to rural development by fostering localized expertise and operational support in drone applications. The network will also facilitate workforce training and empower youth through exposure to emerging technologies.
Train the Trainer (TTT) Programme for Drone Education
Garuda Aerospace also flagged off its DGCA approved Train the Trainer (TTT) programme. This initiative is aimed at developing a certified cadre of drone instructors by equipping educators and professionals with the required operational, safety and maintenance knowledge. The programme includes a focus on pedagogy to ensure quality dissemination of drone knowledge.
The TTT curriculum is designed not only to build technical expertise but also to support inclusive participation. A key highlight at the event was the participation of women drone operators, popularly referred to as “Drone Didis,” who performed live demonstrations to showcase their training and operational proficiency. Their presence emphasized Garuda Aerospace’s commitment to gender inclusion in emerging tech ecosystems.
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Government Support and Industry Collaboration
During his address, Minister Kamlesh Paswan acknowledged the role of Garuda Aerospace Founder and CEO Agnishwar Jayaprakash in executing this multi pronged initiative. He praised Jayaprakash for translating the India’s 2022 vision of manufacturing one lakh Made in India drones into tangible milestones. The Minister also appreciated the role of the Bharat Drone Association for bringing local component manufacturers together and consolidating the domestic drone supply chain under one platform.
Agnishwar Jayaprakash reiterated Garuda Aerospace’s target to manufacture one lakh drones by 2026, stating that 4,000 units have already been delivered. He positioned the new manufacturing facility as an extension of Garuda’s existing operations, with a renewed focus on rigorous R&D, quality control and end to end indigenization.
Scaling Indigenous Capability in Drone Tech
Garuda Aerospace has become the first Indian company to receive dual certifications from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for both drone manufacturing and pilot training. This dual recognition places the firm at the core of India’s strategic ambitions in drone technology, particularly in agriculture.
The company’s integrated approach, ranging from component manufacturing and drone assembly to training and field operations, marks a structural advancement in building India’s high tech and self sustaining drone ecosystem. By embedding skill development into its operational model, Garuda aims to foster a generation of drone professionals equipped to support India’s rural and agricultural economy.
The inauguration of the Agri-Drone Indigenization Facility, the launch of 300 Centres of Excellence, and the rollout of the DGCA certified Train the Trainer programme represent a coordinated thrust in advancing India’s indigenous drone manufacturing and skill development landscape. With initiatives tailored toward rural upliftment, localized employment and inclusive participation, Garuda Aerospace’s efforts resonate with the national objective of self reliance in strategic technologies. Minister Kamlesh Paswan’s endorsement of these developments reflects growing government alignment with industry driven models for innovation, training and capacity building across India’s agritech ecosystem.