By Staff Correspondent
In a significant move to enhance the burgeoning drone ecosystem in India, Thales, a global leader in the aerospace industry, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Garuda Aerospace. This collaboration aims to foster innovation and develop technological solutions that ensure safe and secure drone operations, ultimately supporting the growth of various drone-based applications across the country. The implications of this partnership are substantial, as it seeks to transform the Indian drone landscape and position the nation as a pivotal player in the global drone sector by 2030.
Thales is renowned for its extensive expertise in Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) solutions, which facilitate seamless management of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flight authorizations. The company also offers a diverse range of radar technologies and sensors that are crucial for the effective detection of UAVs, combined with experience in system integration. In contrast, Garuda Aerospace, established in 2015, has emerged as a leader in UAV manufacturing within India. The company boasts a robust portfolio, including a fleet of over 2,500 drones operated by 4,000 pilots across 400 districts, and is committed to meeting the diverse technological needs of various sectors, including defence and agriculture.
The strategic partnership represents a synergy of strengths, with Thales leveraging its global experience and Garuda Aerospace harnessing its local market intelligence and manufacturing capabilities. As both companies work together, they will not only aim to enhance UTM systems in India but also reinforce the nation’s ambition to create a self-reliant (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) drone ecosystem. This endeavour is timely, given the increasing interest from the Indian government in promoting the drone sector, evident from initiatives that encourage innovation and employment opportunities in cutting-edge technologies.
In articulating the vision for this partnership, Ashish Saraf, VP and Country Director for Thales in India highlighted the supportive regulatory environment created by the government, which advances opportunities for collaboration and growth. He expressed confidence that the combined expertise of both companies would greatly contribute to establishing advanced UTM systems in India. The integration of Thales’ technologies with Garuda’s operational capabilities promises to facilitate drone deployment across various applications, including agriculture, surveillance, and logistics, thereby providing tremendous economic and operational benefits to the country.
On his part, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, emphasized the company’s commitment to technological innovation in the drone sector. Citing the successful launch of 100 Garuda drones in 100 villages by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he underscored the company’s market leadership in precision agriculture, with Garuda drones accounting for 50% of the sector in India. This partnership with Thales is viewed as a transformative step, combining Garuda’s extensive fleet and operational experience with Thales’ advanced UTM technology to redefine the capabilities of drones in India.
As the MoU is set to take effect in August 2024, the collaboration between Thales and Garuda Aerospace is poised to drive substantial advancements in the drone sector. By nurturing innovation and developing robust technological frameworks, they aim to lay a strong foundation for safe and effective drone operations across the country. Through this partnership, India not only looks to enhance its capabilities in drone technology but also aspires to emerge as a significant global hub for drones, meeting the demands of the future while concurrently contributing to economic growth and technological advancement.
