Garuda Aerospace, a prominent player in India's drone industry, is charting a new course towards becoming a key contributor to the nation's defence capabilities.
In a recent meeting with Defence Minister, the company outlined its ambitious plans to transition from its current focus on agricultural and consumer drones to establish a significant presence in the defence sector within the next two years.
Central to this strategic shift is the establishment of a dedicated Defence Drone Facility in Chennai. Spanning 30,000 square feet, this cutting-edge complex will serve as a hub for advanced drone design, manufacturing, and testing.
Developed in collaboration with industry giants Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), the facility will prioritize the production of critical indigenous drone subsystems like motors, batteries, and transmitters.
Garuda Aerospace's vision extends beyond mere manufacturing, with plans to develop advanced drones equipped with Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, alongside specialized swarm, tethered, and underwater drones. These innovations are poised to play a pivotal role in bolstering India's defence prowess.
Following the meeting, Garuda Aerospace's Founder and CEO, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to discuss the company's vision with the Defence Minister.
He highlighted the positive reception of Garuda's "Make in India for the World" initiative and the Defence Minister's support for expanding the company's operations in alignment with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) vision.
The meeting underscored the critical role of defence drone technology in achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for India's armed forces, and Garuda Aerospace is dedicated to spearheading this innovation.
Furthermore, Jayaprakash briefed Defence Minister on the company's international collaborations with Thales from France, Agrowing from Israel, and Spirit Aeronautics from Greece. These strategic partnerships will facilitate technology transfer, fostering local manufacturing, cost reduction, and job creation for India's youth.
