India’s drone manufacturing sector has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a nascent industry to a global powerhouse positioned to capture significant market share in the worldwide unmanned aerial systems market. The Indian drone market, valued at approximately $4.2 billion in 2025, is projected to reach an impressive $23 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate of 14.3 percent.
This explosive growth trajectory is fueled by supportive government policies including the Drone Rules 2021, the Production Linked Incentive scheme allocating Rs 120 crore over three years, and an import ban implemented in February 2022 that has created a protected environment for indigenous manufacturers to thrive. With approximately 526 drone-related companies including over 200 startups actively developing cutting-edge unmanned systems, India is rapidly positioning itself to become a global drone hub by 2030.
1. IdeaForge Technology Limited
IdeaForge Technology stands as the undisputed market leader in India’s drone manufacturing sector, commanding an impressive 50 percent market share in the unmanned aerial systems market. Founded in 2007 by alumni from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, this Mumbai-headquartered company has achieved the largest operational deployment of indigenous unmanned aerial vehicles across India. The scale of IdeaForge’s operations is staggering, with an IdeaForge drone taking off approximately every five minutes somewhere in the country. The company’s fleet has completed over 850,000 flights cumulatively, with more than 150,000 end-customer flights recorded in fiscal year 2026 year-to-date alone, demonstrating exceptional reliability and growing customer confidence in its technology.
IdeaForge’s product portfolio encompasses a comprehensive range of unmanned aerial vehicles designed for mapping, surveying, security, and surveillance applications. The company’s flagship platforms include the NETRA series with variants like V4PRO, V4+, and NETRA 5, which are optimized for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The Q-series, including Q4i and Q6 models, serves mapping and surveying requirements with exceptional precision. The company’s SWITCH platform, now in its V2 iteration, represents cutting-edge vertical take-off and landing technology that IdeaForge pioneered indigenously in 2009, making it the first company in India to develop and manufacture VTOL UAVs. The newly developed UAV-ZOLT tactical class drone and YETI long-range logistics UAV expand the company’s capabilities into tactical military operations and logistics support respectively.
In fiscal year 2026, IdeaForge secured significant defense contracts including a Rs 137 crore order from the Indian Army for hybrid mini UAVs and a Rs 100 crore order for ZOLT and SWITCH V2 drones with enhanced resilience capabilities. The company’s order pipeline as of January 2026 stands at approximately Rs 1,000 million, reflecting sustained momentum and strong demand across defense and civil customers. IdeaForge has achieved remarkable international recognition, ranking third globally among dual-use UAV manufacturers in the 2024 Drone Industry Insights Global Drone Review. The company’s Q6 and SWITCH platforms received NATO Stock Numbers, enabling their inclusion in NATO and allied procurement systems and reinforcing IdeaForge’s credibility in cutting-edge UAV technology.
IdeaForge has expanded its global footprint through strategic partnerships, including a joint venture with First Breach Inc. to manufacture and distribute drones in the United States through First Forge Technology Inc. The company has also partnered with Skylark Labs in a $35 million deal to create an AI-powered drone ecosystem.
Listed on the National Stock Exchange with a market capitalization of approximately Rs 1,894 crore as of early 2026, IdeaForge continues to invest heavily in research and development, focusing on AI integration, electronic warfare resilience, and multi-UAV autonomy. With over 1,050 employees and partnerships with venture capitalists including Qualcomm Asia, Infosys, and Celesta Capital, IdeaForge represents the pinnacle of India’s drone manufacturing capabilities and serves as a benchmark for the industry’s potential.
2. NewSpace Research and Technologies
NewSpace Research and Technologies has emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing aerospace and defense research and development companies, specializing in next-generation unmanned aerospace systems with a global outlook. Founded in 2017 by Sameer Joshi, a veteran of the Indian Air Force, and Julius Amrit, NewSpace has secured total funding of $73.2 million across eleven rounds from 102 investors.
The company’s most significant funding achievement came in March 2024 when it raised $52 million in a bridge round, comprising $33 million in equity from prominent investors and $19 million in debt facilities from State Bank of India’s startup hub and SIDBI. In August 2025, NewSpace further strengthened its financial position by securing Rs 115 crore through a debt round led by Lend Lease Company India.
NewSpace’s technological capabilities span an impressive range of unmanned systems, with particular expertise in persistent drones for earth observation and communications operating at altitudes from 5 kilometers to 20 kilometers with endurance ranging from days to months. The company’s High Altitude Pseudo Satellite HAPS technology demonstrator represents cutting-edge aerospace technology with planned endurance exceeding three months, placing NewSpace among only a handful of global firms capable of developing such systems. In a remarkable achievement, NewSpace set an Indian national endurance record with a demonstrated flight endurance of over 24 hours for an indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured unmanned aerial system.
The company’s product portfolio includes several groundbreaking platforms that are reshaping India’s defense capabilities. The Sheshnaag series of swarming unmanned air systems, named after the mythological multi-headed serpent, represents a paradigm shift in military doctrine. The Sheshnaag-150, a 150 kilogram long-range precision strike UAV, successfully completed flight trials in 2025, achieving a remarkable Circular Error Probable of 5 meters during its maiden flight. This platform can operate autonomously in swarms with a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers, enabling coordinated mass and saturation attacks that can overwhelm enemy defenses. The system’s sophisticated homegrown software enables decentralized swarm-based kinetic and non-kinetic effects, representing India’s entry into the elite club of nations possessing advanced swarm drone technology.
NewSpace’s Abhimanyu Naval Collaborative Combat Air Vehicle represents another significant achievement. Selected by the Indian Navy under the Ministry of Defence’s Innovations for Defence Excellence iDEX scheme, this AI-enabled stealth drone is designed to operate as a loyal wingman alongside carrier-based fighters such as the MiG-29K and Rafale-M. With its first flight anticipated in 2026, Abhimanyu features a low radar cross-section, swept wings, and carefully contoured fuselage for enhanced stealth characteristics. The Indian Navy has committed to a minimum purchase quantity once the platform achieves operational readiness.
NewSpace has successfully delivered on major defense contracts, including 100 swarm drones comprising Beluga and Nimbus MK-III models to the Indian Army in March 2023 under a $15 million fast-track contract, making the Indian Army the first major armed force globally to operationalize high-density swarm UAVs. The company delivered the first batch of tethered drone systems under a Rs 250 crore contract in May 2025, demonstrating its ability to meet rigorous military requirements within stipulated timelines. NewSpace’s collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited on advanced programs like the Combat Air Teaming System and air-launched cruise missiles further validates its technological prowess and strategic importance to India’s defense modernization.
3. Garuda Aerospace Private Limited
Garuda Aerospace has positioned itself as India’s leading drone-as-a-service provider, offering comprehensive solutions across surveillance, agriculture, mapping, security, delivery, and advanced industrial applications. The company’s diverse portfolio extends beyond traditional drone applications to encompass sophisticated services including thermal imaging, ultrasonic thickness testing, and Industry 4.0 upgrade solutions. This versatility enables Garuda Aerospace to serve multiple sectors simultaneously while building deep domain expertise that translates into superior manufacturing capabilities.
The company has established an impressive client base that includes over 400 government agencies and more than 100 satisfied commercial clients across India. Operating across 26 cities, Garuda Aerospace has achieved national and international recognition for its automated drone technology services, software solutions, and analytical tools. The company was honored with the NDRF Award for Bravery and secured a term sheet of $1 million from a global fund, validating its business model and growth potential.
Garuda Aerospace’s manufacturing capabilities are enhanced through strategic partnerships with drone manufacturers across the United States, Canada, Israel, and Europe. These collaborations enable the company to access best-in-class technology and manufacturing techniques while maintaining competitive pricing and service quality in the Indian market. The company holds certification as a DGCA-approved Remote Pilot Training Organization, demonstrating its commitment to developing a comprehensive ecosystem that includes not just hardware manufacturing but also pilot training and certification programs.
The company’s flagship product, the Vajra Drone, symbolizes advanced aerial defense capabilities and represents the next leap in UAV technology. Garuda Aerospace has also developed specialized agricultural drones that enable precision farming techniques, allowing farmers to optimize crop monitoring, spraying, and resource management. The company’s manufacturing approach emphasizes reliability, superior performance, and the ability to customize solutions for specific industry requirements, making it a preferred partner for businesses and government agencies seeking proven drone technology.
4. Asteria Aerospace Limited
Asteria Aerospace has established itself as a pioneer in customized drone manufacturing with particular expertise in government and enterprise applications. The company achieved a historic milestone when its A200 micro drone received India’s first Unique Identification Number from the Director General of Civil Aviation, positioning Asteria as a regulatory trailblazer and demonstrating its commitment to compliance excellence. This achievement validated the company’s technological capabilities and established important precedents for the entire Indian drone industry.
The company has deployed over 400 drones with an annual production capacity exceeding 2,000 units, demonstrating significant manufacturing scale and operational capability. With more than 100 personnel dedicated to research and development, Asteria Aerospace maintains a strong focus on continuous innovation and product evolution. The A200 holds the distinction of being India’s first micro-category drone to receive DGCA-type certification for surveying and mapping applications, offering superior flight time and range capabilities compared to competing platforms in its class.
Asteria Aerospace leverages extensive in-house capabilities spanning hardware design, software development, and manufacturing. This vertical integration enables the company to develop customized drone solutions precisely tailored to specific operational requirements across diverse sectors. The company serves an impressive range of clientele including defense and homeland security, agriculture, telecommunications, oil and gas, energy and utilities, GIS surveying and mapping, industrial security, and mining and metals. This breadth of application experience translates into sophisticated manufacturing capabilities and deep understanding of varied operational environments.
The company’s approach to drone manufacturing emphasizes mission-specific design, ensuring that each platform is optimized for its intended application rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions. Asteria’s proven ability to meet stringent regulatory requirements and deliver high-quality products on schedule positions it as a reliable partner for government agencies and large enterprises requiring precision-engineered unmanned systems. The company’s focus on innovation, coupled with its regulatory compliance expertise and diverse sector experience, makes it a significant player in India’s drone manufacturing landscape.
5. Paras Defence and Space Technologies
Paras Defence and Space Technologies has emerged as a trailblazer in India’s defense drone manufacturing sector. Widely recognized for its robust defense ecosystem, the company has strategically ventured into the unmanned aerial vehicle sector by developing indigenous UAVs through its subsidiary, Paras Aerospace Private Limited. This initiative underscores the company’s ambition to capture a dominant market share in India’s growing drone industry while leveraging synergies with its existing defense manufacturing capabilities.
Paras Aerospace manufactures drones designed for military, industrial, agriculture, and payload delivery applications. The company’s flagship product, the Paras Agri Copter, represents India’s first fully licensed and registered agricultural drone, demonstrating the company’s commitment to regulatory compliance and commercial viability. The Agricopter V2.1 is engineered for precision spraying and crop monitoring, featuring a 10-liter tank capacity and 30-minute flight time that enables efficient agricultural operations across diverse terrains.
The company’s manufacturing approach emphasizes aerial mapping and surveying capabilities tailored specifically to the agricultural sector, while also providing full UAV integration services and comprehensive UAV-based solutions. Paras Aerospace operates from its Mumbai headquarters with three strategically located service centers in Gandhinagar, Satara, and Jhalawar, ensuring nationwide coverage and responsive after-sales support. This geographic distribution enables the company to maintain close relationships with customers across different regions while providing timely maintenance and technical assistance.
Paras Defence’s entry into drone manufacturing represents a strategic diversification that leverages the company’s existing expertise in defense systems, precision engineering, and government contracting. The company’s understanding of defense procurement processes, quality standards, and operational requirements provides significant advantages in developing drones that meet stringent military specifications. As one of the drone manufacturing companies in India with share prices listed on stock exchanges, Paras Defence offers investors exposure to the high-growth drone sector while benefiting from the stability of an established defense contractor.
6. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited represents the institutional backbone of India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities. Established in 1940, HAL is one of the largest and oldest defense manufacturing companies in India, with extensive experience in the design, production, and maintenance of aircraft, helicopters, and aerospace systems. As a government-backed public sector undertaking, HAL brings unparalleled manufacturing infrastructure, technical expertise, and financial resources to India’s drone manufacturing sector.
HAL’s foray into drone manufacturing leverages its decades of experience in aviation and aerospace engineering. The company focuses on military aircraft and drones, making it an integral part of India’s defense industry with particular emphasis on surveillance and reconnaissance unmanned systems. HAL’s collaboration with Garuda Aerospace highlights its strategic intent to accelerate drone development and manufacturing by combining its world-class production facilities with innovative startup capabilities and market agility.
The company’s drone manufacturing efforts benefit from extensive research and development infrastructure, including wind tunnels, testing facilities, and advanced manufacturing capabilities developed over eight decades of aerospace production. HAL’s expertise in avionics, propulsion systems, materials science, and systems integration translates directly into superior drone platforms capable of meeting demanding military specifications. The company’s understanding of Indian defense requirements, combined with its established relationships with the armed forces, positions it advantageously for large-scale drone procurement contracts.
HAL’s manufacturing scale is unmatched in the Indian aerospace sector, with production facilities across multiple locations and a workforce of thousands of skilled engineers and technicians. This infrastructure enables the company to undertake mass production of drone systems when demand scales up, providing the Indian armed forces with reliable, high-quality indigenous unmanned platforms. As India’s defense establishment increasingly emphasizes self-reliance and indigenous manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, HAL’s role in drone manufacturing becomes strategically critical for ensuring domestic production capability at scale.
7. Zen Technologies Limited
Zen Technologies Limited, founded in 1993 and headquartered in Hyderabad, has established itself as a leading provider of defense training solutions and drone-enhanced combat systems. The company specializes in the design, development, and manufacture of sophisticated training simulators and systems for defense and security applications. Zen Technologies’ portfolio encompasses more than 40 products ranging from live-fire UAVs to counter-drone detectors, with over 1,000 training simulators shipped worldwide demonstrating the company’s global reach and technological credibility.
Zen Technologies’ approach to drone manufacturing emphasizes integration with advanced training systems and simulation platforms. The company develops drones specifically designed for defense and security applications, with particular expertise in surveillance and reconnaissance systems. This focus on defense applications, combined with deep understanding of military training requirements, enables Zen Technologies to create drone platforms that are optimized for realistic training scenarios while also being deployable in actual operational environments.
The company’s manufacturing capabilities extend beyond hardware to encompass sophisticated software development for simulation and training. This software expertise translates into advanced autonomous flight systems, mission planning capabilities, and integration with command and control infrastructure. Zen Technologies provides comprehensive training solutions for security forces using simulation technology, ensuring that operators can maximize the effectiveness of drone systems through proper training and familiarization before deployment.
As a publicly listed company on Indian stock exchanges, Zen Technologies has demonstrated consistent financial performance and strategic vision in capitalizing on India’s defense modernization initiatives. The company’s dual focus on training systems and operational drones creates synergistic opportunities, as defense customers often procure both hardware and training systems from integrated providers who can ensure seamless compatibility and comprehensive operator preparation. Zen Technologies’ established relationships with military and law enforcement agencies, combined with its proven track record in delivering complex defense systems, position it as a significant player in India’s drone manufacturing ecosystem.
8. General Aeronautics Private Limited
General Aeronautics is a Bangalore-based company that provides advanced drone-based solutions specifically tailored for agriculture, healthcare, and defense industries. The company’s manufacturing philosophy emphasizes creating mission-specific platforms that address real-world operational challenges across diverse sectors. General Aeronautics has developed a reputation for innovation in drone design and a practical approach to solving industry-specific problems through unmanned aerial systems.
The company’s flagship agricultural product, the Krishak agri-drone, showcases General Aeronautics’ engineering capabilities and understanding of precision farming requirements. The Krishak is built with unique spray technology that enables uniform application across the entire plant, addressing a critical challenge in agricultural drone operations where uneven spraying can reduce effectiveness and waste resources. This attention to application-specific requirements demonstrates the company’s commitment to creating drones that deliver measurable operational benefits rather than generic platforms.
General Aeronautics has also developed specialized drones for healthcare logistics, including a fixed-wing VTOL capable of delivering active bleeding control kits within a 15-kilometer range in approximately 10 minutes. This capability addresses critical emergency medical needs, particularly in areas where ground transportation is slow or unreliable. The company’s multicopter models are engineered for various defense applications, providing surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities tailored to military operational requirements.
The company’s Bangalore location places it at the heart of India’s technology and aerospace hub, providing access to skilled engineering talent, research institutions, and a vibrant ecosystem of innovation. General Aeronautics’ focus on solving specific industry challenges through thoughtful drone design, rather than pursuing one-size-fits-all platforms, has enabled it to build strong relationships with customers who value customization and operational effectiveness. As India’s drone market matures and customers increasingly seek specialized solutions rather than generic platforms, General Aeronautics’ application-focused approach positions it advantageously for sustained growth.
9. Throttle Aerospace Systems Private Limited
Throttle Aerospace Systems has established itself as a versatile drone manufacturer serving multiple industries including agriculture, surveillance, cargo, inspection, and disaster management. Headquartered in Bangalore, the company manufactures a five-model fleet that addresses diverse operational requirements across civil and commercial applications. Throttle Aerospace’s comprehensive approach to drone manufacturing emphasizes creating platforms capable of reliable operations across varied terrain and weather conditions specific to the Indian operating environment.
The company’s product portfolio includes the TALV-TACT, a military-grade platform boasting a maximum flight time of 55 minutes that addresses demanding surveillance and reconnaissance requirements. The L-15 delivery drone demonstrates Throttle Aerospace’s capabilities in logistics applications, with the ability to handle a 40-kilogram payload making it suitable for substantial cargo transport operations. This diverse model range enables the company to serve customers across different sectors while leveraging common manufacturing processes and component supply chains for operational efficiency.
Throttle Aerospace’s parent company, NeoSky, operates a DGCA-certified remote pilot training school, creating an integrated ecosystem that encompasses both drone manufacturing and operator training. This vertical integration provides significant advantages by ensuring that Throttle’s customers have access to certified training for their drone operators, facilitating faster adoption and more effective deployment of unmanned systems. The training school also provides valuable feedback from students and instructors that informs ongoing product development and design improvements.
The company’s focus on creating market-ready solutions that balance technological sophistication with practical operational considerations has made it a preferred partner for businesses looking to adopt drone technology as part of their operations. Throttle Aerospace Systems has been recognized as a significant player in India’s growing drone ecosystem, with particular strength in providing turnkey solutions that include hardware, software, training, and ongoing support. As one of the major service providers in the Indian drone market, Throttle Aerospace continues to expand its manufacturing capabilities and product offerings to address emerging market opportunities.
10. TechEagle Innovations Private Limited
TechEagle Innovations stands as a pioneer in India’s drone manufacturing sector, having been founded in 2015 by alumni of the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. Based in Gurugram, the company specializes in manufacturing drones optimized for on-demand delivery services with particular focus on healthcare products and supplies for rural communities. TechEagle’s early entry into the market and sustained focus on logistics applications has enabled it to develop deep expertise in the unique requirements of delivery drones.
The company’s flagship manufacturing achievement is the Vertiplane X3, a made-in-India hybrid electric vertical take-off and landing drone that represents cutting-edge indigenous technology. The Vertiplane X3 achieves a top speed of 120 kilometers per hour and can travel 100 kilometers on a single charge while carrying up to three kilograms of temperature-controlled cargo. This temperature control capability is particularly crucial for delivering medicines and vaccines to remote areas where maintaining proper storage conditions can be challenging. The drone’s hybrid eVTOL design combines the vertical take-off and landing capabilities necessary for operating in areas without prepared landing strips with the efficiency and range of fixed-wing flight.
TechEagle’s manufacturing approach emphasizes creating drones specifically optimized for India’s diverse operating environments, from dense urban areas to remote rural regions with limited infrastructure. The company’s expertise in long-distance drone logistics and its focus on healthcare and e-commerce deliveries have made it instrumental in numerous pilot programs and trials across various sectors. TechEagle operates with a commitment to zero carbon emissions, positioning itself at the intersection of technological innovation and environmental sustainability.
The company’s proven track record in delivering practical solutions for challenging logistics scenarios, combined with its manufacturing capabilities for sophisticated hybrid eVTOL platforms, positions TechEagle as an important contributor to India’s drone manufacturing ecosystem. As logistics applications continue to drive drone adoption globally, TechEagle’s specialized expertise and purpose-built platforms provide significant competitive advantages in a market increasingly focused on practical commercial applications rather than general-purpose platforms.
The Future of Drone Manufacturing in India
India’s drone manufacturing sector stands at an inflection point where supportive government policies, growing domestic demand, and indigenous innovation capabilities are converging to create unprecedented opportunities. The sector benefits from approximately 515 drone-related companies including over 200 startups focused on drone development, creating a vibrant ecosystem of competition and collaboration. The Production Linked Incentive scheme’s allocation of Rs 120 crore, the reduction of GST to 5 percent in September 2025, and the import ban imposed in February 2022 collectively create a protected yet competitive environment that encourages domestic manufacturing excellence.
The regulatory framework established through the Drone Rules 2021 and the Digital Sky platform for simplified licensing and digital approvals has removed many of the bureaucratic barriers that previously constrained the industry. The government’s allocation of Rs 540 crore for drone integration under the UDAN scheme to improve regional connectivity demonstrates strong policy commitment to developing drone infrastructure. These supportive policies, combined with India’s advantages in engineering talent, lower manufacturing costs, and proximity to major markets, position Indian manufacturers to compete globally.
The ten companies profiled in this article represent the vanguard of India’s drone manufacturing revolution. From IdeaForge’s market dominance and NewSpace’s cutting-edge swarm technologies to HAL’s institutional strength and Garuda Aerospace’s service integration, each manufacturer brings unique capabilities and strategic advantages. As the Indian drone market progresses toward the projected $23 billion valuation by 2030, these manufacturers will continue leading the transformation of India from a drone importer to a global drone manufacturing hub, creating high-technology employment, developing indigenous intellectual property, and strengthening India’s position in the global unmanned systems market.
