Garuda Aerospace and Andhra Pradesh Partner to Launch Indian Drone City
Date: March 27, 2025
Garuda Aerospace is investing INR 100 crore (around USD 12 million) to establish the Andhra Pradesh Drone City in Kurnool, aiming to bolster India’s position in drone technology. CEO Agnishwar Jayaprakash has met with Chief Minister Shri Chandrababu Naidu to discuss the development. The project is designed to make Andhra Pradesh a hub for drone innovation, backed by the state’s support.
Strategic Goals for Drone City
The Indian Drone City will emphasize the construction of facilities close to ports and airports, attracting global aerospace firms and boosting exports. The project’s framework includes strategic land allocation and essential infrastructure to support new businesses.
Jayaprakash remarked, “This initiative will not only accelerate economic growth but also empower entrepreneurs, attract global investments, and significantly shape the industry’s future.”
Employment and Training Opportunities
The establishment is expected to create approximately 20,000 new jobs and provide training for 25,000 drone pilots, cultivating a highly skilled workforce for India’s expanding drone sector.
The campus will house drone manufacturing facilities, research and development labs, training centers, repair services, and an incubation hub for UAV startups. The goal is to develop a comprehensive ecosystem for drone technology in a single location.
Shri Rama Mohan Naidu Ji, Minister of Civil Aviation, highlighted the importance of initiatives such as the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ and ‘Namo Drone Didi,’ which leverage drone technology to advance national objectives and empower rural women.
Enhancing India’s Drone Market
India’s drone market is forecasted to reach INR 60 billion (approximately USD 720 million) by 2030, and Garuda Aerospace is poised to play a pivotal role in this growth. The project is anticipated to draw over 500 drone-related companies and foreign investments totaling around USD 5 billion. Plans are underway to expand India’s drone exports to over 15 international markets by the decade’s end.
The demand for drones is surging across numerous sectors, notably agriculture, which encompasses 350 million acres in India. Additional applications include solar panel cleaning, thermal inspections, and extensive mapping tasks, as over 3.3 lakh villages still require mapping under the Svamitva scheme.
A Driving Force for Innovation
Garuda Aerospace is emerging as an industry leader. Jayaprakash stated, “The Andhra Pradesh Drone City is not just a mere infrastructure project; it’s a catalyst for innovation, job creation, and technological advancement.” Garuda Aerospace has experienced remarkable growth, with FY24 revenue reaching INR 110 crore (about USD 13.2 million)—2.3 times greater than the previous year. Net profit also saw an increase, growing 2.7 times to INR 16 crore (about USD 1.9 million), even amidst a 128% rise in expenses.
With surveillance services bringing in INR 68 crore (approximately USD 8.2 million) and drone sales contributing INR 42 crore (around USD 5 million), Garuda Aerospace is backed by $31 million in funding. The company is significantly influenced by Jayaprakash, who owns a 77% stake.
About Garuda Aerospace
Founded in 2015, Garuda Aerospace ranks among India’s leading drone startups, focusing on precision agriculture and industrial automation. It operates the largest drone fleet in the country, with over 400 drones and 500 pilots across 84 cities.
Garuda manufactures 30 types of drones and offers 50 distinct drone services, serving clients like TATA, Reliance, Amazon, Flipkart, and L&T. Partnerships with global giants such as Lockheed Martin, Cognizant, and Elbit Systems enhance its capabilities.
The company was a pioneer in acquiring DGCA approval for Type Certification and Remote Pilot Training. Its mission is to improve one billion lives through accessible drone technology, with cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni serving as an investor and brand ambassador.
For more information, please visit Garuda Aerospace.
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