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India is on track to achieve complete self-reliance in drone technology by 2029, according to R Shivaraman, the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Big Bang Boom Solutions (BBBS), a leading Indian defence startup.
This ambitious goal encompasses both armed and unarmed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for tactical missions and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) purposes.
Shivaraman highlighted the remarkable growth of India's drone industry in recent years, with approximately 50 new manufacturers entering the market in the past five years alone.
This surge in domestic production is fueled by a steady increase in orders from various sectors, including the Indian Armed Forces. BBBS itself specializes in providing anti-drone systems to the military.
"The drone industry is poised to achieve true Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) compared to any other industry in the defence sector in India," Shivaraman stated in an interview. "By 2028-2029, India will achieve self-reliance in both armed and unarmed drones, including platforms for ISR purposes, thus cutting the country's imports in this segment from abroad."
Currently, Indian manufacturers hold a 40-50% market share in the domestic drone industry. However, growing demand is encouraging local companies to expand their capabilities beyond assembly and into the production of critical components like drone controllers and motors.
This vertical integration is crucial for achieving true self-reliance and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
This push for self-reliance in drone technology aligns with India's broader "Make in India" initiative, which aims to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports.
The government has also implemented policies to support the drone industry, such as the Drone Shakti scheme and the Digital Sky Platform, which streamline drone usage and operations.
Reports from sources like Bizz Buzz and ET Edge Insights project the Indian drone market to reach values between $1.4 billion to $23 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) ranging from 17% to 35%. This growth is driven by increasing demand from various sectors, including agriculture, defense, e-commerce, and disaster management.
With continued government support and increasing private sector investment, India's drone industry is well-positioned to become a global leader in the coming years, contributing significantly to the country's economic growth and technological advancement.
