Can India become the world's third-largest drone market by 2030?

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu recently led a review meeting in New Delhi.

The focus was on drone research and development (R&D) progress. He also reviewed drone component manufacturing activities. The Minister confirmed a major national goal for the sector. India aims to be the third-largest drone market globally by 2030. This goal is a clear objective, not just an aspiration.

Focus on Indigenous Technology

Minister Naidu strongly emphasized indigenous drone technology. Developing local capabilities is considered essential for success. This strategy aims to reduce reliance on foreign imports. It also strengthens the domestic economy significantly. This focus aligns with the broader 'Make in India' mission.

Indigenous component manufacturing is vital for long-term growth. The push supports local vendors and suppliers across the value chain. This includes hardware, software, and service delivery firms. The sector is expected to create thousands of direct jobs.

Market Ambition and Potential

The India drone market 2030 goal represents massive growth. Market reports project the sector will see significant expansion. The market size is forecast to reach up to USD 4.87 billion by 2030. The drone and components industry could boost India's manufacturing potential to approximately US$23 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by applications in many sectors. Key areas include defense, agriculture, logistics, and infrastructure monitoring.

Regulatory and Policy Support

Government policy actively supports this ambitious expansion. A key driver is the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for drones. This scheme provides financial incentives for domestic manufacturing. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has liberalized the regulatory framework.

The DGCA drone regulations (Drone Rules 2021) simplified approvals. The Ministry of Civil Aviation also launched the DigitalSky platform. This platform streamlines regulatory processes like certification.

Recent DGCA data highlights the ecosystem's growth:

• Over 38,000 Unique Identification Numbers (UINs) have been issued.
• There are 234 approved drone schools nationwide.
• More than 37,500 certified pilots are now operating.

Challenges and Opportunities

The review addressed current challenges and emerging opportunities. Challenges include the need for advanced R&D and testing infrastructure. The industry must also ensure regulatory compliance and safety standards.

Opportunities are vast for aviation stakeholders:

• Airlines/Logistics: Drones offer new last-mile delivery solutions.
• Airports: Drones can be used for surveillance and infrastructure inspection.
• Manufacturers: The PLI scheme creates a strong incentive for local production.

The Minister's review reinforces the government's commitment. It signals a clear intent to establish India as a global drone hub by 2030.

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