- AVPL International is putting in about Rs 5 to 6 crore to work with IIT Ropar on this research
- India’s drone technology and related industry are estimated to grow from the current Rs 80 crore to Rs 15,000 crore by next year
- Right now, India imports most of the important parts for drones, like the flight controls, AI software, GPS, and communication systems
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
NEW DELHI, APR 29
India’s drone industry is growing fast, but there’s a concern: many drones use technology from other countries. This could lead to problems like data theft and cyber-attacks, which is not good for things like border security and farming. India’s drone technology and related industry are estimated to grow from the current Rs 80 crore to Rs 15,000 crore by next year.
In line with the Centre’s self-reliance in defence production, IIT Ropar and AVPL International have joined hands to solve this problem. They want to build India’s first drone system that is completely made in India. This means everything – the software, the brains, and all the parts – will be Indian. This will make our drones more secure and independent.
Right now, India imports most of the important parts for drones, like the flight controls, AI software, GPS, and communication systems. Often, the software that controls these drones is kept on computers in other countries. This makes them vulnerable to cyber-attacks and data leaks. So, even if a drone is put together in India, someone from another country could control it, which is a risk for our safety.
IIT Ropar and Gurugram-based AVPL International want to stop this. They will build drones that are totally Indian – not just the hardware, but also the software and intelligence. This includes making their own flight programs, AI systems, and secret communication methods that won’t rely on foreign technology.
Research and development for the project will be conducted through IIT Ropar’s Centre of Excellence for Studies and Applied Research in Defence and Security (COE SARDS).
Indian scientists and researchers will work on new, patented technologies to make sure India’s drones are safe and self-reliant. This fits with the Indian government’s idea of “Self-Reliant India,” keeping Indian data safe within India.
Investing in India’s Future
AVPL International is putting in about Rs 5 to 6 crore to work with IIT Ropar on this research. This money will help develop Indian drone technology over the next 3 to 4 years, and they might invest even more later. The goal is to create drone solutions that are easy to scale up, secure, and not too expensive, so India can be independent in drone technology for a long time.
N.K. Mohapatra, CEO of AVPL International, said, “This is not just about drones; it’s about data and security. Right now, if the software is from another country, so is the control. This project will cut that connection, making India’s technology future secure and ensuring we control our own skies. It’s a very important step for our country’s safety.”
Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director of IIT Ropar, added, “India needs to control its own technology. This partnership will help us build drones and systems that are completely made in India, with Indian intelligence and security as the top priority. We are not just talking about new things in aerospace; we are building our country’s defense power.”
India’s Drone Revolution: From Relying on Others to Being Independent
This partnership is happening at a perfect time because India is set to become one of the biggest drone markets in the world. Government programs are already helping more people use drones, especially women in farming. But as these programs grow, it’s important that India doesn’t just keep buying drones from other countries. India needs to start making its own safe and secure drone systems.
Through this teamwork, IIT Ropar and AVPL International are leading the way to a future where India’s drone technology is not only advanced but also completely independent. Whether it’s for defense, farming, deliveries, or keeping an eye on things, India will soon have drones that are entirely made at home – safe, secure, and built to last.
