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
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? Kamlesh Paswan Inaugurates India’s First Agri-Drone Indigenization Hub in Chennai
Event Inauguration of Agri-Drone Indigenization Facility & 300 CoEs
Minister Involved Shri Kamlesh Paswan, Union MoS for Rural Development
Company Garuda Aerospace, led by Agnishwar Jayaprakash
Facility Size 35,000 sq. ft.
Drone Production Goal 1 lakh drones by 2026

Shivam

As a Content Executive Writer at Adda247, I am dedicated to helping students stay ahead in their competitive exam preparation by providing clear, engaging, and insightful coverage of both major and minor current affairs. With a keen focus on trends and developments that can be crucial for exams, researches and presents daily news in a way that equips aspirants with the knowledge and confidence they need to excel. Through well-crafted content, Its my duty to ensures that learners remain informed, prepared, and ready to tackle any current affairs-related questions in their exams.

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