Shillong: India's drone industry revenue skyrocketed from Rs 60 crore in 2021 to Rs 4,000 crore this year. This massive growth marks a new era for local technology. Smit Shah, President of the Drone Federation of India, linked this success to government policies that prioritize domestic manufacturing over foreign imports.
Shah pointed to the Make in India initiative as the primary driver. The program reached its twelfth anniversary on September 25, 2024. "Because of initiatives like Make in India, the entire drone ecosystem of the country today exists," Shah said. The sector is now projected to hit Rs 19,000 to 20,000 crore in the coming years.
Three major shifts changed the market. The Drone Rules 2021 improved the ease of doing business. The government also introduced financial incentives through the Production Linked Incentive scheme. Finally, officials banned foreign drones to clear the path for home-grown makers.
These changes helped drone technology thrive in both military and civilian operations. The industry proved its worth during specific missions like Operation Sindoor. By focusing on local production and policy reforms, the government successfully pushed the sector from a small operation into a multi-billion rupee juggernaut.
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