Revolutionizing the Skies: The Next Phase of India's Drone PLI Scheme

The Indian government is set to launch a more efficient Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the drone sector. The new scheme aims to address previous challenges in documentation and implementation, focusing on civilian, defense, and rogue drone uses. Increased funding and indigenization are key priorities.

The Indian government is gearing up to introduce a new phase of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme aimed at bolstering the drone sector. According to Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam, the upcoming scheme will focus on enhancing implementation, documentation, and processes compared to the first iteration introduced in 2021.

The initial PLI scheme, which had an allocation of Rs 120 crore for three years, has concluded. Vualnam acknowledges that startups and MSMEs faced significant procedural challenges in the previous scheme, and he emphasized the need for a more efficient approach. The new scheme will consider three key drone categories: civilian, defense, and rogue or unregulated uses.

At an industry conference organized by Ficci, it was suggested that counter-drone technologies be included in the next PLI phase. With an increased proposed budget of Rs 1,000 crore, the scheme aims to support new entrants and startups in developing drones with indigenous parts. The Namo Drone Didi Scheme also plans to distribute 15,000 drones, including agricultural drones for women in rural areas.

(With inputs from agencies.)