Ropar, May 2, 2025 — In a major leap toward technological self-reliance, IIT Ropar and AVPL International have launched India’s first fully indigenous drone development project. The initiative aims to eliminate reliance on foreign drone components by creating 100% India-made systems—spanning hardware, software, artificial intelligence, and encrypted communications.
Currently, over 70% of drone parts in India are imported. This project, aligned with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, seeks to reverse that trend while addressing security concerns associated with foreign-controlled drone technologies, especially in defense and agriculture.
The initiative will be headquartered at IIT Ropar’s Centre of Excellence for Studies and Applied Research in Defence and Security (CoE SARDS). AVPL International has committed an initial investment of ₹5–6 crore over the next 3–4 years, focusing on scalable, secure, and affordable drone solutions.
Key technologies under development include AI-driven navigation, indigenous flight-control algorithms, and fully encrypted communication systems. The project is expected to spur innovation, job creation, and skill development, as India positions itself to tap into a drone market projected to reach ₹15,000 crore by next year.
With applications ranging from national security and disaster response to agriculture and logistics, this pioneering effort marks a crucial step in making India a global hub for homegrown drone technology.
