Overview

From internet to EVs, technological advancements have never failed to amaze us. In this era, drones, also known as UAV (unmannered aerial vehicle) is no exception. It is an aircraft without a pilot. It may be remotely controlled or can fly autonomously through software control, embedded in its system working together with sensors and GPS.

From getting your food delivered, elevating worksite productivity, and maximizing crop yields to defense sector efficiency, the possibilities that drones offer are endless. Drones can primarily be classified based on wing type, range & payload

Drones were invented in the 20th century for military usage. Origin of drones can be traced back to the time when the very first aircraft with a reusable type radio control mechanism was designed in the 30s which worked like a base model.

Global companies such as Parrot, Invensense, MicroPilot are involved in the manufacturing of drone components. Other companies such as Boeing, Skydio, AgEagle etc. are involved in manufacturing of drones.

Various Indian players also take part in the drone industry landscape. Players such as Adani Defence & Aerospace, Alpha Design Technologies are involved in the domestic manufacturing of drone components while other players such as Asteria Aerospace, Tata Advanced Systems, Garuda Aerospace, and Droneacharya, etc. are manufacturing drone in India

Global drone market is currently estimated at ~US$ 21B in 2022, growing at the rate of ~20% y-o-y from 2020. The market is expected to reach ~US$ 90B by 2030.

Increased investment in drone technology & rising need for photographic surveillance across globe are some of the key drivers of growth of global drone industry. Various schemes & provision of subsidies by the government to Farmer Producer Organization is expected to increase penetration of drone usage within the agricultural industry. Use of independent drones for destruction by few countries is fast changing the industry.

The Indian drone market is forecasted to reach ~US$ 812M in 2027 from ~US$ 43M in 2022. This growth will be owing to ~220 drone start-ups. The Government of India has aimed to make India, a global hub for drone manufacturing by 2030.Drone usage can be mapped across various areas & industries. Some of them are listed below:

  • Agriculture industry: Used for spraying of fertilizers & pesticides in agricultural farms & monitor soil’s health
  • Construction industry: Used for topography mapping, land surveys & monitoring of construction site
  • Mining industry: Used for road haulage optimization, stockpile management, inspection of mines, etc.
  • Environment mentoring & wildlife conservation: Used for monitoring wildlife, keeping a check on poaching activities, & population tracking of wildlife, etc.
  • Security & surveillance: Used for patrolling, crowd monitoring, running rescue operations & spotting suspicious behaviour, etc.
  • Defence & military: Used for spotting suspicious behaviour at borders, gathering data & evidence, firefighting & search operations, etc.
  • Logistics: Used for faster deliveries & helps in reaching remote areas
  • Oil & gas: Used for aerial pipeline surveillance, patrolling of transmission lines, detecting leakages, etc.

India currently accounts for ~23% of drone imports of the world. This shows the dependency of India on imports and therefore the Government is trying to use it as an opportunity to manufacture drones within the country.The government has put a ban on import of drones. This move is expected to attract manufacturing of drones within the country. Events like Bharat Drone Mahotsav 2022 was organized which aimed at promotion of drones. The number of permits by a drone operator has been reduced to 5 from 25 now. However, there are also some limitations to enter the industry. The government has put a ban on import of drones but has not put a ban on import of drone components. Therefore, it is still possible that the drones built in India could be costlier than the existing ones.

With the launch of several schemes by the Government of India, it is sure that India is targeting to being one of the biggest economies in the drone market as it has not only launched schemes for manufacturers but also for farmers. It is evident that the Government is focusing on strengthening its manufacturing of drones & also is planning to increase its sales across various industries.