New DelhiThe Indian government has announced a ₹2,000 crore ($234 million) incentive programme aimed at boosting domestic drone manufacturing for both civil and military applications, a move triggered by the recent four-day border conflict with Pakistan in May. This incident marked the first time both nations deployed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on a large scale, intensifying a regional drone arms race.
A Strategic Response to Regional Tensions
The new initiative, set to run for three years, is designed to reduce India’s reliance on imported drone components and to counter Pakistan’s rapidly advancing drone programme, which benefits from support by China and Turkey. Indian officials say the lessons learned from the recent conflict have underscored the urgent need to develop a robust, self-reliant drone ecosystem within the country. “During the conflict, there was quite a lot of use of drones, loitering munitions, and kamikaze drones on both sides,” Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh commented last week. “The lesson that we've learned is that we need to double down on our indigenisation efforts to ensure that we build a large, effective, military drone manufacturing ecosystem.”
Programme Details and Industry Impact
The incentive scheme will cover the manufacture of drones, key components, software, counter-drone systems, and related services. It represents a significant increase from the previous ₹120 crore production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme launched in 2021, which had limited impact due to capital constraints among start-ups. The civil aviation ministry will lead the new programme, with support from the defence ministry. Additional incentives are planned for manufacturers who source components domestically, and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) is expected to provide low-interest loans for working capital and research and development needs. Currently, India bans the import of fully assembled drones but not their components. The government aims to have at least 40% of key drone parts manufactured domestically by the end of fiscal year 2028. There are already more than 600 drone-related firms operating in India, according to industry estimates.
Reducing Foreign Dependence
Historically, India has relied heavily on imported military drones, particularly from Israel. While the domestic drone sector has expanded in recent years, the industry remains dependent on China for critical components such as motors, sensors, and imaging systems. The new incentive programme is intended to shift this balance by encouraging local production and technological innovation.
Looking Ahead
India’s planned investment in the drone sector could reach as high as $470 million over the next 12 to 24 months, according to government and military sources. The move is expected not only to enhance national security but also to position India as a significant player in the global drone market, with increased exports and technological self-sufficiency.
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