Kamlesh Paswan Inaugurates India’s First Agri-Drone Indigenization Hub in Chennai

Union Minister of State for Rural Development Shri Kamlesh Paswan inaugurated the Agri-Drone Indigenization Facility of Garuda Aerospace in Chennai on June 14, 2025. Alongside the launch, the Minister also unveiled 300 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and flagged off the DGCA-approved Train the Trainer (TTT) programme, positioning India at the forefront of drone innovation, self-reliance, and skill development. The initiative is a significant step towards fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming India into a Global Drone Hub by 2030.

Why in News?

India is accelerating its drone manufacturing and skilling capabilities. The launch of Garuda Aerospace’s Agri-Drone Indigenization Facility, the largest of its kind, along with 300 new Centres of Excellence and a nationwide Train the Trainer programme, highlights a major advancement in indigenous drone production, innovation, and workforce development.

Key Launches by Shri Kamlesh Paswan

• Agri-Drone Indigenization Facility, Chennai
• 300 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) across India
• Train the Trainer (TTT) programme, approved by DGCA
• Live demonstration of Agri-Drones by trained Drone Didis

Facility and Programme Highlights

Agri-Drone Indigenization Facility

• Size: 35,000 sq. ft.
• Output Target: 1 lakh drones by 2026
• Current Production: 4,000 drones delivered so far
• Focus on design, manufacturing, and testing of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)

Train the Trainer Programme (TTT)

• Certified skilling programme to train educators as drone instructors
• Boosts rural employability and women empowerment (notably through Drone Didis)

300 Centres of Excellence (CoEs)

• Established in collaboration with academic institutions and industry partners
• Promote drone innovation, R&D, and skill development

Vision and Endorsement

• PM Modi’s 2022 vision: Manufacture 1 lakh Made-in-India drones by 2026
• Minister Paswan’s praise for Agnishwar Jayaprakash, CEO of Garuda Aerospace, and the Bharat Drone Association
• First time ever a single location housed over 2,000 Agri-Drones – showcasing scale and commitment

Significance and Impact

• Strengthens India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) vision in tech
• Empowers young entrepreneurs and startups
• Enhances rural transformation through drone-led agriculture
• Positions India as a global leader in drone manufacturing and skilling