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India’s Drone Registry Tops 38,500: But This Is Just the Start of a Rapid Expansion!

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India’s Drone Registry Tops 38,500: But This Is Just the Start of a Rapid Expansion!

India’s drone industry is rapidly expanding, with the country witnessing a significant rise in the number of registered drones and certified remote pilots.

As of February 2026, the number of registered drones in India has surpassed 38,500, and there are now nearly 40,000 DGCA-approved drone pilots. Additionally, over 240 drone training organizations have been authorized across the country, signaling that drones are no longer a niche technology but a vital part of India’s evolving economy.

Drones in India have progressed far beyond their early roles in aerial photography or tech demonstrations. Today, they are indispensable tools used across various sectors, including agriculture, land surveying, infrastructure monitoring, disaster management, and public service delivery.

A prime example of drones’ growing utility is the government’s SVAMITVA Scheme, which leverages drones to map rural villages and generate official property records. This initiative has already surveyed 328,000 villages, preparing 27.6 million property cards in 182,000 villages across 31 states. For millions of rural households, these drones are not just flying machines but a means to obtain legal documentation confirming homeownership for the first time.

Another noteworthy program is the Namo Drone Didi initiative, which empowers women-led self-help groups (SHGs) by providing them with drones for agricultural tasks. More than 1,094 drones have been distributed, with over 500 of them under the Namo Drone Didi scheme. These drones are used to spray pesticides, monitor crop health, and even generate additional income, significantly improving farm productivity and rural livelihoods.

Drones are also playing a vital role in monitoring infrastructure across the nation. From railways to highways, drones are providing an affordable and efficient solution for overseeing vast and intricate networks.

Training the Next Generation of Drone Operators

The rapid growth of the drone ecosystem in India has led to an increasing demand for skilled operators. To address this, the government has established a network of over 240 DGCA-approved Remote Pilot Training Organisations (RPTOs). These institutions are training the next generation of drone pilots, who are being deployed across various sectors such as agriculture, defense, logistics, and surveying. As India expands its drone usage into additional industries, continued focus on skill development will remain a key priority.

A Specialized Drone Base for Defense

On the defense front, India is investing in advanced infrastructure to support drone operations. After lessons learned from Operation Sindoor, where unmanned systems were crucial for surveillance, intelligence gathering, and precision targeting, India is building its first dedicated drone base in Meerut. This facility, which spans over 900 acres, is being developed by the Border Roads Organisation under the Ministry of Defence with an estimated budget of Rs 406 crore.

The base will feature a 2,110-meter-long runway, designed to accommodate High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones that can remain airborne for extended periods, surveying vast stretches of border areas. The facility will also have the capacity to support transport aircraft such as the C-295 and C-130, providing versatile operational capabilities.

Equipped with ICAO CAT-II lighting and navigation systems, the base will enable 24/7 operations even under low-visibility conditions. Two large hangars will ensure efficient maintenance and rapid deployment of drones. The facility is projected to handle around 1,500 drone sorties annually, with an average of four flights per day.

The project, scheduled for completion in 85 months, includes a comprehensive plan for construction, defect liability, and ongoing maintenance, ensuring the base’s operational longevity.

In summary, drones are no longer just a trend in India; they are becoming a cornerstone of several industries, from agriculture to defense. With continued investment in training, infrastructure, and innovation, India is positioning itself as a global leader in the drone sector.

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CEO, Mavdrones

Pradipta V Mukherjee is the visionary CEO of Mavdrones & Drone Pathshala, driving innovation and growth in the drone industry. With a passion for advanced technology, he leads the company's strategic direction, ensuring Mavdrones stays at the forefront of drone solutions. Under his leadership, Mavdrones has achieved remarkable success, including winning the 'Best Innovation and Technology in Drone Industry' award from ASSOCHAM. Pradipta is committed to revolutionizing the industry through advanced UAV technology, fostering a culture of excellence and forward-thinking within the organization.

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About Pradipta V Mukherjee

CEO, Mavdrones Pradipta V Mukherjee is the visionary CEO of Mavdrones & Drone Pathshala, driving innovation and growth in the drone industry. With a passion for advanced technology, he leads the company's strategic direction, ensuring Mavdrones stays at the forefront of drone solutions. Under his leadership, Mavdrones has achieved remarkable success, including winning the 'Best Innovation and Technology in Drone Industry' award from ASSOCHAM. Pradipta is committed to revolutionizing the industry through advanced UAV technology, fostering a culture of excellence and forward-thinking within the organization.

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