NEW DELHI: India has issued a substantial number of Remote Pilot Certificates (RPCs) for drone operations, said the Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol. In a statement to the Rajya Sabha on Monday, Mohol revealed that a total of 16,000 RPCs have been granted by Remote Pilot Training Organisations (RPTOs) approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Mohol highlighted the ongoing expansion in the drone sector, noting that 48 drone companies in India are currently producing Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) that have received DGCA type certification. Additionally, 70 different drone models have been certified by the DGCA.
With 116 RPTOs approved by the DGCA, the drone industry in India is showing promising growth. The issuance of these RPCs and the certification of numerous UAS models signify the increasing adoption and regulation of drone technology in the country.
Meanwhile, Economy Survey reveals that India is embarking on a major upgrade of its Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets, transforming them into advanced 'Super' Sukhois in a project worth Rs 63,000 crore. This extensive modernization will include state-of-the-art radars, avionics, extended-range weapons, and multi-sensor fusion capabilities, ensuring these jets remain operational until 2055.
The defense ministry is preparing a proposal for the Prime Minister-led Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to approve the first phase of this ambitious upgrade. The plan involves enhancing 84 jets initially, with the project extending over approximately 15 years. The first seven years will focus on development and flight testing, followed by a gradual induction of the upgraded jets into service.
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