Thales and Garuda Aerospace Collaborate to Enhance Secure Drone Operations in India.

On July 30, 2024, Thales and Indian drone manufacturer Garuda Aerospace signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the development of the drone ecosystem in India. This strategic partnership aims to foster innovation and develop technological solutions that ensure safe and secure drone operations, thereby supporting the growth of drone-based applications in the country.
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Garuda Aerospace boasts a vast fleet of over 2,500 drones and 4,000 pilots operating across 400 districts (Picture source: Garuda Aerospace)

Thales brings its deep expertise in Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) solutions, essential for the smooth management of UAV flight authorizations. Additionally, Thales offers a range of radars and sensors for high-performance drone detection and has significant experience in system integration. Founded in 2015, Garuda Aerospace is recognized as a leader in the Indian drone sector, focusing on manufacturing high-tech drones and providing service applications tailored to various industry needs. The company boasts a vast fleet of over 2,500 drones and 4,000 pilots operating across 400 districts.

Thales is globally renowned for its expertise in aerospace and drone solutions. From design and development to implementation and maintenance, Thales has built comprehensive solutions for drone integration and the advancement of UTM systems. The company works closely with civil aviation authorities and air navigation service providers to offer strategic UTM capabilities. These capabilities include registration, authorization, and geo-awareness, with the potential for progressive advancements such as aircraft tracking and deconfliction.

The collaboration between Thales and Garuda Aerospace is set to transform the drone landscape in India. The MoU, effective from August 2024, aligns with the Indian government's robust support for the drone ecosystem, promoting opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and growth. This partnership also supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision, aiming to help India achieve its goal of becoming a major global hub for drones by 2030.

Ashish Saraf, Vice President and Country Director of Thales in India, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, noting that the government provides a solid foundation for the drone ecosystem. Saraf expressed pride in partnering with Garuda Aerospace to leverage Thales' global experience and expertise in aeronautical solutions to develop advanced UTM systems in India.

Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Thales, highlighting the role of technological innovations in advancing the development of drones and drone-based applications in India. Jayaprakash mentioned the significant milestone when Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched 100 Garuda drones in 100 villages, marking Garuda's dominance in the precision agriculture drone segment. With the largest fleet of drones in India and Thales' UTM technology and global experience, Garuda Aerospace aims to revolutionize the drone sector and contribute to transforming India into a global drone powerhouse.