The CEO of a leading Indian drone manufacturer has stated that India's drone industry has "leapfrogged" over the last decade, gaining momentum after the COVID-19 pandemic. IdeaForge, a prominent Indian drone manufacturing company ranked fifth globally in the civil and defense dual-use category, is venturing into the competitive U.S. drone market amidst increasing reluctance towards Chinese-made drones.
Ankit Mehta, CEO of IdeaForge, emphasized that the Indian drone industry has made significant strides in the past decade due to a conducive environment fostered by the Indian government, particularly accelerated by the pandemic.
Mehta highlighted the regulatory changes that have occurred, stating that previously stringent rules around drone usage have become more flexible, allowing for wider deployment and adoption. He noted the shift in attitudes toward technology adoption post-pandemic, leading to increased interest in drone applications across various sectors.
India's drone sector benefits from supportive regulatory frameworks and incentives, including a production-linked incentive scheme aimed at promoting indigenous drone technology development and reducing reliance on imports, particularly from China.
Mehta underscored the uniqueness of Indian drones, citing their ability to operate in diverse and challenging environments such as high altitudes in the Himalayas and extreme temperatures in regions like Rajasthan. He emphasized the versatility of Indian drones in addressing a wide range of applications, including traffic and crowd management, counterinsurgency, counter-terrorism, and border surveillance.
Regarding the company's expansion into the U.S. market, Mehta expressed optimism about the reception of their products, citing features like autonomy and extended flight times offered by their drones. He emphasized the importance of showcasing their technology and gathering real-world feedback to tailor their products to the U.S. market.
Reflecting on India's recent procurement of armed drones from General Atomics, Mehta emphasized the need for sustained long-term investments from both the government and private sectors to bolster domestic drone manufacturing capabilities. He called for continued support, particularly through initiatives like the production-linked incentive scheme, to encourage research and development in the drone ecosystem.
In conclusion, Mehta emphasized the importance of investing in research and development to drive innovation and growth in the drone industry, highlighting the potential for India to emerge as a key player in the global drone market.
India Opens Skies to Foreign Investment: Approves Up to 100% FDI in Space Sector
Bombay HC Clears Rhea Chakraborty in Sushant Singh Rajput Case
