India Announces $234 Million Drone Incentive Plan

News Highlights

• The Ministry of Civil Aviation has unveiled a ₹1,915 crore ($234 million) incentive scheme spanning three years to boost domestic drone manufacturing, in response to recent tensions related to drones with Pakistan.
• The program includes low-interest loans from SIDBI for R&D, manufacturing, and counter-drone systems, aiming to produce at least 40% of key drone components domestically by the end of FY 2028.
• It targets civil and military drone sectors, supporting over 600 Indian drone firms and aligning with the broader goal of strengthening national security and manufacturing capacity.

Why It Matters

• Creates high-skill technical and manufacturing jobs across India
• Opens opportunities in R&D, production, testing, and regulation of drones
• Ideal for students and employees in engineering, defence, aerospace, and tech sectors

Source: Reuters.com