Thales and Garuda Aerospace have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on advancing the drone ecosystem in India. This partnership aims to foster innovation and develop technologies for safe and secure drone operations, boosting the growth of drone-based applications in the country.
Thales, known for its expertise in Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) solutions, offers advanced radar and sensors for UAV detection and has a strong background in system integration. Garuda Aerospace, a major player in the Indian UAV market since 2015, specialises in manufacturing high-tech drones and providing a range of service applications. The company has a fleet of more than 2,500 drones and 4,000 pilots operating across 400 districts in India.
Thales has a global reputation for its expertise in aerospace and UAV solutions, providing end-to-end services from design to maintenance. The company collaborates with civil aviation authorities and air navigation service providers to enhance UTM capabilities, ensuring safe drone integration with features like registration, authorisation and geo-awareness.
The MoU, set to take effect in August 2024, aims to transform India’s drone industry and support the development of advanced drone technologies.
Commenting on the deal, Ashish Saraf, VP and Country Director, Thales in India, said: “The government is providing a robust foundation for the drone ecosystem, fostering opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and growth. We are proud to partner with Garuda Aerospace in paving the way for the development of advanced UTM systems in India by leveraging our extensive global experience and expertise in aeronautical solutions. This collaboration aligns well with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision, and seeks to support India in realising its ambition to become a major global hub for drones by 2030.”
Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, added: “We are thrilled to partner with Thales in driving technological innovations for the development of drones and drone-based applications in India. Ever since Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji launched 100 Garuda drones in 100 Villages, we have scaled and cemented market dominance in the precision agri drone segment where 50% of agri drones in India is Garuda’s. Equipped with the largest fleet in India coupled with Thales’ UTM technology and their worldwide experience, Garuda Aerospace will aim to revolutionize the drone sector and play a key role in the transformation of India into a global drone powerhouse.”
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