Drone industry players in India are calling for more favorable policies, incentives, and a component ecosystem to promote domestic manufacturing and accelerate the sector’s growth. The Indian drone market is expected to reach a revenue of USD 27 million by 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.96% from 2024 to 2028.
Industry experts at the Drone International Expo 2024 in Delhi highlighted the need for better incentives and policies to support robust component manufacturing within the country. Over 200 national and international drone manufacturers are showcasing their innovations at the expo, including countries like the UK, USA, Israel, and Germany.
To promote the indigenisation of the industry, there is a call for more investments in research and development of key components like flight controllers, motors, and batteries. Additionally, the government is urged to create more incubation and technology centers in the drone segment to incentivize technology advancements.
The expo, coinciding with The International Police Expo 2024, emphasizes the importance of modernizing India’s counter-terrorism and law enforcement capabilities with cutting-edge drone technologies. The integration of advanced technologies into these capabilities can proactively address security vulnerabilities and ensure a dynamic response to terrorism.
It is essential to address the shortage of skilled drone pilots in the Indian market to meet the growing demand for expertise in piloting complex drones. By creating a conducive environment for domestic manufacturing and investing in R&D, the drone industry in India can achieve greater indigenisation and growth.