India AI Mission and Favourable Government Policies to Propel the Indian Drone Sector: Report
A recent survey conducted by Nexgen Exhibitions; the organisers of Drone International Expo revealed that India’s AI mission would significantly boost the growth of the Indian drone sector. The survey reached out to over 150 drone manufacturing and service-providing companies across 11 cities, including Delhi, Ghaziabad, Noida, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Gurugram, and Coimbatore. Additionally, it highlights the potential for India to become a global leader in drone technology and innovation, providing an overview of current trends, challenges, and future opportunities in the Indian drone sector.
The India AI mission, an ambitious government initiative aimed at harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) across various sectors, is poised to be a major catalyst for the Indian drone industry. The integration of AI with drone technology can enhance capabilities, efficiency, and operational intelligence, such as autonomous navigation, real-time data processing, and advanced analytics. According to Statista, the Indian drone market is projected to generate a revenue of US$27 million in 2024, with a CAGR of 5.96% from 2024 to 2028.
The survey highlighted government’s efforts to develop a robust domestic manufacturing ecosystem. Participating companies view the favourable policies in last few years as a positive step towards self-reliance, anticipating a surge in domestic manufacturing capabilities and job creation within the sector.
The survey addressed the need for Indian drone sector to concentrate on certain technological advancements to compete with global companies. These include implementing cutting-edge AI and machine learning algorithms to enhance drone autonomy and efficiency, developing and integrating high-precision sensors for better data accuracy and reliability, innovating in battery technology to extend flight times and improve power management systems, leveraging 5G networks for faster data transmission and real-time communication capabilities, and ensuring robust cybersecurity measures to protect drones and their data from potential threats.
Scheduled for July 4-5, 2024 in New Delhi, Drone International Expo 2024 is India’s only dedicated and longest-running expo for Drones, Anti Drones, LiDAR, Geospatial and Unmanned Systems (Land & Water), AI & other futuristic technologies. As Drone International Expo is getting bigger and better with every avatar, an increasing number of companies from various countries are participating in this expo to showcase their innovative products and technologies. The Expo provides an “All in one” product showcase, knowledge exchange and trading platform for manufacturers, service providers and governments to collaborate and push India’s prestigious vision of becoming Global Drone Hub. Along with India’s leading companies and startup brands, international manufacturers and world leaders in Drones, Anti-drone systems, Drone components & software companies are going to participate in one of Asia’s biggest Drone Expo . Few of the participating companies include – Optimus Unmanned Systems, Aebocode Technologies, Zen Technologies, Aakash Aerospace, Global Electronics, Passenger Drone Research Private Limited (PDRL), Vigor Power Battery Co, Nexa Flight Systems – South Africa, Sidak Defense & Aerospace Private Limited. ,Winmate inc – Taiwan ,Welkinrim Technologies Pvt ltd ,Kasstech Aerospace Pvt.Ltd , Pan India Consultant Pvt Ltd, Schnell Drone Technologies ,Raghu Vamsi Aerospace Group ,Vyom Drones Pvt Ltd , Aeronica Advance Technologies , Ms Certification Services Pvt. Ltd., Ayushi Unmanned Systems, Infinity Arsenal Pvt ltd and etc.
“The India AI mission and other favourable Government policies are game changers for the Indian drone sector,” said Aadhar Bansal, Director, Nexgen Exhibitions. He added, “These initiatives will drive innovation, enhance domestic capabilities, and position India as a global hub for drone technology. By fostering a supportive environment for technological innovation and domestic manufacturing, India is well on its way to becoming a leader in the global drone market. As the industry evolves, continued collaboration between the government, industry stakeholders, and technology innovators will be crucial to realize this vision.”
