ENA Sectors 2025-07-04 16:28:48 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Jul 4 (KNN) </strong>The Indian government is set to roll out a Rs 1,998 crore (USD 234 million) incentive programme aimed at boosting domestic production of drones for both civil and military use.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The three-year initiative seeks to reduce the countrys dependence on imported drone components and keep pace with Pakistan, which has ramped up its drone capabilities with support from China and Turkey.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">According to government and industry sources, the programme will support manufacturing of drones, related components, software, counter-drone systems, and services.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This marks a significant leap from Indias earlier Rs 120 crore production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme launched in 2021, which saw limited success due to funding challenges faced by start-ups.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The move follows a brief but intense India-Pakistan drone conflict in May, where both nations reportedly deployed unmanned aerial vehicles at scale for the first time.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In response, India is focusing on building a robust indigenous drone ecosystem, with a target of producing at least 40% of critical components domestically by FY2028.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">India has historically imported military drones, especially from Israel, but a growing local drone industry is now offering cost-effective alternatives.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">However, certain components like motors, sensors, and imaging systems are still largely sourced from China.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The civil aviation ministry is leading this effort, with support from the defence ministry and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), which will provide low-interest loans to firms for working capital and R&amp;D.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Currently, India hosts over 600 companies engaged in drone manufacturing and allied services. The new incentive programme is expected to energise the sector, strengthen national security, and drive innovation in unmanned systems technology.</span></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-size:14px">(KNN Bureau)</span></strong></em></p> 42695 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/india-to-launch-rs-1998-crore-incentive-scheme-for-drone-manufacturing 2025-07-04 16:28:48 knnindia.co.in