Inside The Great Indian Drone Dream

Can we build it ourselves?

Dear reader,

India is on a mission to become a global hub for drones in the next 5 years. But what does it encompass though? At its core is how India can ramp up its ability and capacity to build the parts that make them work, within the country.

Ankit’s story today takes you BTS of India’s efforts to develop its own drone components.

As India works toward reducing its dependency on imports—especially from China—startups like Agam Robotics and Vector Technics are leading the way forward.

However, the path ahead is not without challenges. From paperwork to procurement to production.

If India can produce its own drone parts, it will not only reduce reliance on other countries, but also create thousands of jobs, locally. Ankit's piece talks in detail what more needs to be done to make this vision a reality, apart from the steps already being taken.

This is a must-read.

Staying on the topic:

1. Op Sindoor | 'Cheap Chinese Drone Parts Are An Addiction We’re Finally Breaking Away From' — Swarajya Interviews Drone Federation India Chief

2. Drone Hobbyist Turns ‘Make In India’ Manufacturer And Tells The Tale Of His Startup Adventure Ride

3. How Drones Are Surveying Land In Rural India Under SVAMITVA

New at the Swarajya store: LCH Prachand T-Shirts

Hot off the press, our latest release celebrates the LCH Prachand, our undisputed pride in the skies. It is the first dedicated attack helo (slang for helicopter) to be built in the country.

These two new T-shirt variants are part of our Tribute series of merch — available in multiple colours.

Available exclusively at store.swarajyamag.com...but there's a way to score it for FREE (keep scrolling down).

India’s youngest founders are rewriting the rules

What happens when India’s brightest twentysomethings skip the corporate queue and go straight for the moonshot?

• Arctus Aerospace – “unmanned fighter jets” that climb to 45,000 ft and stay aloft for 36 hours.

• Dognosis – cancer-sniffing dogs scoring 96 % sensitivity in hospital trials.

• Yotuh Energy – battery-powered truck-coolers cutting fuel bills by 75 %.

• Waterfly Technologies – ground-effect craft promising Chennai-to-Kolkata in ₹600.

• BioCompute – DNA vials that can store entire data-centres on a lab bench.

Intriguing? Karan's story is part of our June print issue and if you have not subscribed yet, do so now. For Rs 200/month you get:

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