As unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) – or drones – continue to make their mark across various sectors, India is no stranger to the rapid adoption of this technology. From defense and agriculture to entertainment and logistics, drones have opened up new possibilities.
Top 10 Drone Manufacturing Companies In India
We will explore the top 10 drone manufacturers in India that are not only shaping the future of drone technology but also driving the country’s growth in the industry.
1. insideFPV
Recognized as a pioneer in FPV (First-Person View) drone technology, insideFPV has gained significant traction in the drone market. This Shark Tank India-backed startup is India’s first company to offer Plug and Fly FPV drones, where customers simply need to plug in the battery and fly.
The company provides exceptional services such as crash warranties and free consultations, ensuring a smooth flying experience for its users. Additionally, insideFPV has been recognized by #startupindia for its contribution to the robotics industry and is a part of VIT-TBI (Technology Business Incubator) and D-Labs at ISB, Hyderabad.
Their high-end professional drones empower users to capture cinematic footage that was once unimaginable, making them a top choice among drone enthusiasts.
2. Aarav Unmanned Systems (AUS)
Founded in 2013 at IIT Kanpur and headquartered in Bangalore, AUS quickly became a game-changer in the Indian drone landscape. Known for its innovative use of drones in mapping and reconnaissance, the company offers a range of UAVs that cater to diverse applications.
Their flagship product, the PPK-equipped drone, is renowned for its 30-minute flight time and 3km range, capable of gathering precise data with Post-Processing Kinematics (PPK).
Aarav Unmanned Systems is widely regarded as a leader in commercial drone technology, combining cutting-edge research and development to offer world-class drone solutions.
3. 1 Martian Way
A Mumbai-based drone manufacturer, 1 Martian Way has garnered attention for its role in establishing the Indian Drone Racing League (IDRL). Initially focused on providing drone-based solutions to businesses, the company shifted to offering software and AI-driven drone control systems.
Their technology also extends to robots, web, and mobile platforms. Notable for their exceptional brand-building efforts, 1 Martian Way's armada includes the Geospatial Intel Suite and the Backduck drones, further solidifying their place in the industry.
4. Aero360
Since its inception in 2017, Aero360 has made remarkable contributions in the drone industry. Known for its expertise in load-bearing drones, the company has worked with prominent organizations such as Tata Group and even the Government of India.
Aero360 specializes in drones capable of carrying payloads of up to 3 kg and flying for up to three hours. Their carbon fiber tethered drones, along with high-resolution imaging solutions, are designed for surveillance, mapping, inspection, and videography, making them a reliable partner for commercial drone services.
5. ideaForge
Founded by an IIT-B alumnus in 2007, ideaForge is one of India's most well-established drone manufacturers. Their flagship product, the Switch UAV, offers an impressive 15 km range and 120 minutes of flight time, equipped with 720p and 480p thermal cameras.
The drone also features a 25x optical zoom, making it ideal for combat and reconnaissance operations.
With contracts with the Indian Army, ideaForge has established itself as a go-to provider for high-end drone solutions in defense and surveillance.
6. Drones Tech Lab
Based in Kolkata, Drones Tech Lab, a subsidiary of Rchobbytech Solutions Pvt. Ltd., is a rising star in the Indian drone market.
Known for its wide range of drones serving industries such as agriculture, surveillance, and photography, the company also leads the charge in developing counter-drone technologies.
Their innovative drones are built to meet the growing demand for precision farming and enhanced surveillance, while their counter-drone systems aim to curb the threat posed by rogue UAVs.
7. Detect Technologies
Detect Technologies, founded in 2016 and incubated at IIT Madras, specializes in the use of intelligent algorithms and patented hardware for predictive technologies. Their standout product, the Noctua, is a highly capable drone designed for conducting periodic inspections with precision and accuracy.
Its advanced positioning system allows it to perform controlled indoor flights, setting it apart from other drones in the market.
Detect Technologies is transforming industrial inspections by combining drone technology with powerful AI-driven insights.
8. Asteria Aerospace
Asteria Aerospace, based in Bangalore, is another leader in the Indian drone industry, boasting over 50 specialized drones deployed across various sectors.
Their top models, the Cygnus A10 and A400, are designed for both civilian and military surveillance. The Cygnus A10 offers high-resolution nighttime imaging with a maximum speed of 85 km/h and 90 minutes of flight time, making it an exceptional tool for surveillance operations.
The A400, on the other hand, is known for its payload carrying capacity, making it ideal for security and inspection tasks.
9. Quidich Innovation Labs
Established in 2013, Quidich Innovation Labs is best known for its contributions to aerial cinematography. The company has worked on high-profile projects such as filming the IPL 2015 and a Ford Mustang commercial in 2016.
While Quidich does not sell its drones publicly, its services include aerial cinematography, drone swarms, and law enforcement support.
The company’s advanced technology includes in-development facial recognition tools, which have attracted big-name clients like Red Bull, Indian Railways, and National Geographic.
10. Garuda Aerospace
Garuda Aerospace is a prominent drone manufacturer that specializes in agricultural drones, providing modern solutions for precision farming. Their drones are equipped with advanced sensors and spraying technology, allowing farmers to optimize their crop management processes.
The company’s expertise in agricultural UAVs has made them a key player in India's growing agri-tech sector, helping to boost productivity and efficiency in farming operations.
Conclusion
India's drone manufacturing sector has made remarkable progress, with numerous companies pushing the boundaries of innovation in aerial technology.
From defense and agriculture to entertainment and industrial applications, these top 10 manufacturers are paving the way for a future where drones are integral to everyday life.
