Indigenous Capability in Drones Must for National Security

Addressing a seminar ‘Bharat Drone Varta’, secretary, ministry of civil aviation, Vumlunmang Vualnam reiterated that the aim of the government is to ensure that India become a global drone hub by 2030.

Organised by FICCI, the theme of the seminar was ‘Driving India’s Drone Indigenisation.’ Vualnam stated that the impact of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme in the drone sector is visible which has helped catalyse further development in the sector. He also urged FICCI to provide industry recommendations so that the next phase of the PLI scheme for drones is more efficient in implementation, documentation, and processes. Vualnam further added that with an increase in the use of drones in the civil and security sector, there is huge potential for the sector. “We need to focus on indigenization to tap the potential,” he added.

Additional director general, Army Design Bureau, Indian Army Major General C.S. Mann emphasised on the importance of indigenizing defence technology, especially drones which will reduce import. “We are developing an efficient framework which will streamline the procurement, testing, and evaluation process without introducing additional layers. The new framework aims to address existing vulnerabilities to the extent possible. We will also evolve our indigenization roadmap, aligning it with the objectives of the new framework.”

Gen. Mann further assured that the Army Design Bureau is committed to support industry by way of funds and by hand holding industry to develop indigenised solutions in various areas like secure communications and high-altitude drones.

Chair, FICCI Drone Committee and Chairman, Addverb Technologies, Jalaj Dani said, “The Indian drone sector has received a policy thrust from the government with enabling policy like Drones Rules 2021, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, Airspace Map, National Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management, policy framework and other enabling developments, which have been well received by both industry and academia.” He also highlighted the importance of drones in India’s journey of becoming a developed nation.

Co-chair, FICCI Drone Committee and CEO of ideaForge Technology, Ankit Mehta said that the drone sector is of strategic importance, and securing autonomy in this domain is crucial. “We must ensure self-sufficiency to avoid vulnerability to denial regimes and maintain the capability to develop cutting-edge technology,” he added. He emphasized that advancing India’s drone technology is essential to stay competitive globally and achieve leadership in the field by 2030.

Co-chair, FICCI Drone Committee and director & co-founder, Asteria Aerospace Neel Mehta said, “To become a global drone hub, we must ensure that majority of the components are designed in India. Industry, academia, and the government must jointly determine technology and commercialization readiness level of each drone component in the country to push for indigenization.” He also urged for stronger focus on local supply chains, developing intellectual property in India, and increasing government support, including a proposed Rs 1000 crore fund for R&D.

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Call us