Union Minister Kamlesh Paswan Launches Manufacturing Hub, 300 Training Centers, and DGCA-Certified Skill Program
A Major Milestone for India’s Drone Ecosystem
Garuda Aerospace marked a significant milestone in India’s drone development with the launch of its new Agri-Drone Indigenization Facility in Chennai. The inauguration was led by Shri Kamlesh Paswan, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Rural Development. The event also featured the launch of 300 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and Garuda’s DGCA-approved Train the Trainer (TTT) drone skilling program.
Key members of the Bharat Drone Association (BDA) were present, highlighting the industry’s broad support. A live demonstration of agricultural drones was carried out by trained “Drone Didis,” underscoring Garuda’s commitment to women’s empowerment and rural innovation.
India’s First Agri-Drone Indigenization Facility
Garuda’s new 35,000-square-foot facility is the first in India dedicated to the complete design, manufacturing, and testing of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for agriculture. It builds on Garuda’s earlier manufacturing capabilities and supports the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, or self-reliant India.
The facility aims to locally produce seven drone subsystems and 33 parts. This move is expected to reduce import dependency, create new jobs, and strengthen India’s position in the global drone industry.
300 Centres of Excellence Across India
Alongside the factory launch, Garuda Aerospace also introduced 300 Centres of Excellence. These centers will serve as after-sales support hubs and training grounds for future drone pilots. Many of the CoEs are set up in collaboration with academic institutions and industry partners, promoting innovation and education.
The centers will help build a strong drone ecosystem by supporting both operational needs and workforce development.
Train the Trainer Program: Building Certified Drone Educators
Garuda’s DGCA-approved Train the Trainer (TTT) initiative is aimed at training qualified drone instructors. The program offers hands-on, practical instruction in UAS operation, safety, and maintenance.
Its specialized modules are designed to improve how instructors share knowledge with students and professionals. TTT will play a central role in growing India’s skilled drone workforce.
Voices of Leadership
Shri Kamlesh Paswan praised Garuda’s founder and CEO, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, for his leadership. “I have known Agnishwar for five years as a younger brother, but today I was truly amazed to witness his work as CEO of Garuda Aerospace,” said the Minister.
He added, “Providing employment to over 140 people is a commendable step toward fulfilling Hon’ble Prime Minister Modi ji’s vision of empowering youth through entrepreneurship… What touched me most was seeing women, who once never stepped out of their homes, now confidently flying drones thanks to the visionary Drone Didi initiative.”
Jayaprakash noted that the launch represented three major milestones. “Our Hon’ble Prime Minister Modi ji gave us a vision in 2022 to manufacture one lakh Made-in-India drones by 2026. We have delivered 4,000 drones so far, and are confident we will achieve this target in the next two years,” he said.
Scaling Through Government Support and Partnerships
Garuda Aerospace has been a key beneficiary of government schemes, including the Namo Drone Didi, SMAM subsidy, and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) programs. The company has already supplied 450 of the 500 drones under the Namo Drone Didi scheme and is preparing to deliver 2,000 more.
It is also India’s first drone company to secure dual DGCA certifications—for both drone manufacturing and training.
Founded in 2015, Garuda has grown from a five-person team to a workforce of more than 200. The company has the largest drone fleet in India and offers a wide range of drone types and services across agriculture, delivery, infrastructure, and defense.
Garuda’s client list includes major corporations such as TATA, Adani, Flipkart, and the Survey of India. International partnerships with companies like Lockheed Martin, Cognizant, and Elbit Systems support its global ambitions.
With a strong focus on making drone technology accessible, affordable, and impactful—especially in agriculture—Garuda Aerospace continues to push India toward becoming a global hub for drone innovation.
About Garuda Aerospace
Garuda Aerospace is India’s leading drone tech startup specializing in agricultural and industrial drone solutions. The company designs and manufactures a wide range of drones and offers over 50 services in 84 cities. Garuda aims to impact one billion lives through precision drone technology. Mahendra Singh Dhoni is an investor and brand ambassador for the company.
For more, visit www.garudaaerospace.com
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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