Garuda Aerospace has announced a ₹100 crore investment aimed at fast-tracking the creation of the Andhra Pradesh Drone City in Kurnool. This strategic move aligns with the state’s ambition to position itself as a global hub for drone innovation and manufacturing.
The company has highlighted the importance of land allocation near key infrastructure such as ports and airports, positioning the project to attract international aerospace firms and drive exports.The Andhra Pradesh Drone City project is set to revolutionise the drone ecosystem in the region, with projections indicating the generation of up to 20,000 jobs. Furthermore, the initiative is expected to train 25,000 drone pilots, offering a robust workforce for the expanding drone sector. This development comes as India’s drone market is forecast to grow exponentially, projected to increase 2.5 times to reach ₹60 billion by 2030.
The state’s focused efforts aim to tap into this growth, creating a comprehensive ecosystem that encompasses drone manufacturing, research and development, training academies, maintenance facilities, and an incubation hub for drone startups.
The project is designed not only to cater to domestic demand but also to position Andhra Pradesh as a key player in the global drone market. The initiative plans to nurture over 500 drone-related companies and attract nearly $5 billion in foreign investments. This, in turn, will open up more than 15 international markets for Indian drone products by 2030. Key industries such as agriculture—covering over 350 million acres—and industrial applications, including solar panel cleaning and large-scale mapping, are expected to drive significant demand for drones.
In addition to its business and technological aspirations, the Andhra Pradesh Drone City is also expected to play a crucial role in empowering local communities. One of Garuda Aerospace’s significant contributions includes its involvement in the ‘Namo Drone Didi’ initiative, which empowers rural women by providing them with drone technology skills. This gender-neutral approach to technology adoption aligns with the broader goals of creating equitable and inclusive development.
Speaking about the broader vision, the company’s spokesperson described the Drone City as “more than just an infrastructure project; it is a catalyst for innovation, job creation, and technological leadership.” The success of this initiative will hinge on the seamless integration of cutting-edge infrastructure, streamlined approvals, and the strong backing from the state government, all of which will enable Andhra Pradesh to rise as a world leader in drone technology and contribute to India’s technological prowess on the global stage.