Thales and Garuda Aerospace Sign MoU for Secure Drone Operations in India
Thales and Garuda Aerospace have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the drone ecosystem in India. This strategic collaboration aims to foster innovation and advance the development of technological solutions that ensure safe and secure drone operations, thereby accelerating the growth of drone-based applications across the country.
Thales brings to the table its broad expertise in Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) solutions, which facilitate the seamless management of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flight authorizations. Additionally, Thales offers a range of high-performance radar and sensors for UAV detection and boasts significant experience in system integration. Garuda Aerospace, a leader in the Indian UAV market, specializes in the production of high-tech drones and service applications, catering to diverse industry needs.
Established in 2015, Garuda Aerospace has emerged as a key player in the Indian drone sector. The company focuses on building advanced drone solutions for the armed forces and collaborates with global giants in the defense and aerospace sectors. With a vast fleet of over 2,500 drones and 4,000 pilots operating across 400 districts, Garuda Aerospace is well-positioned to lead the charge in drone technology advancements in India.
Thales is globally recognized for its expertise in aerospace and UAV solutions. The company has developed end-to-end solutions for drone integration, including advanced UTM systems. Thales collaborates closely with civil aviation authorities and air navigation service providers to deliver strategic UTM capabilities, such as registration, authorization, and geo-awareness. The company ensures that incremental capabilities, like aircraft tracking and deconfliction, can be added over time.
The MoU, effective from August 2024, aims to transform the Indian drone landscape. Ashish Saraf, VP and Country Director of Thales in India, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. “The government is providing a robust foundation for the drone ecosystem, fostering opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and growth. We are proud to partner with Garuda Aerospace in paving the way for the development of advanced UTM systems in India by leveraging our extensive global experience and expertise in aeronautical solutions. This collaboration aligns well with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision, and seeks to support India in realizing its ambition to become a major global hub for drones by 2030”.
Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, echoed this sentiment. “We are thrilled to partner with Thales in driving technological innovations for the development of drones and drone-based applications in India. Ever since Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji launched 100 Garuda drones in 100 Villages, we have scaled and cemented market dominance in the precision agri drone segment where 50% of agri drones in India is Garuda's. Equipped with the largest fleet in India coupled with Thales’ UTM technology and their worldwide experience, Garuda Aerospace will aim to revolutionize the drone sector and play a key role in the transformation of India into a global drone powerhouse”.
This partnership between Thales and Garuda Aerospace is poised to significantly enhance the safety, security, and efficiency of drone operations in India. By combining Thales’ advanced UTM solutions and global expertise with Garuda Aerospace’s market leadership and extensive fleet, the collaboration is set to drive substantial growth and innovation in India’s drone sector. This initiative not only supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision but also positions India as a prominent player in the global drone industry, with ambitious goals to become a major hub for drone technology by 2030.
Thales brings to the table its broad expertise in Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) solutions, which facilitate the seamless management of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flight authorizations. Additionally, Thales offers a range of high-performance radar and sensors for UAV detection and boasts significant experience in system integration. Garuda Aerospace, a leader in the Indian UAV market, specializes in the production of high-tech drones and service applications, catering to diverse industry needs.
Established in 2015, Garuda Aerospace has emerged as a key player in the Indian drone sector. The company focuses on building advanced drone solutions for the armed forces and collaborates with global giants in the defense and aerospace sectors. With a vast fleet of over 2,500 drones and 4,000 pilots operating across 400 districts, Garuda Aerospace is well-positioned to lead the charge in drone technology advancements in India.
Thales is globally recognized for its expertise in aerospace and UAV solutions. The company has developed end-to-end solutions for drone integration, including advanced UTM systems. Thales collaborates closely with civil aviation authorities and air navigation service providers to deliver strategic UTM capabilities, such as registration, authorization, and geo-awareness. The company ensures that incremental capabilities, like aircraft tracking and deconfliction, can be added over time.
The MoU, effective from August 2024, aims to transform the Indian drone landscape. Ashish Saraf, VP and Country Director of Thales in India, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. “The government is providing a robust foundation for the drone ecosystem, fostering opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and growth. We are proud to partner with Garuda Aerospace in paving the way for the development of advanced UTM systems in India by leveraging our extensive global experience and expertise in aeronautical solutions. This collaboration aligns well with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision, and seeks to support India in realizing its ambition to become a major global hub for drones by 2030”.
Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, echoed this sentiment. “We are thrilled to partner with Thales in driving technological innovations for the development of drones and drone-based applications in India. Ever since Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji launched 100 Garuda drones in 100 Villages, we have scaled and cemented market dominance in the precision agri drone segment where 50% of agri drones in India is Garuda's. Equipped with the largest fleet in India coupled with Thales’ UTM technology and their worldwide experience, Garuda Aerospace will aim to revolutionize the drone sector and play a key role in the transformation of India into a global drone powerhouse”.
This partnership between Thales and Garuda Aerospace is poised to significantly enhance the safety, security, and efficiency of drone operations in India. By combining Thales’ advanced UTM solutions and global expertise with Garuda Aerospace’s market leadership and extensive fleet, the collaboration is set to drive substantial growth and innovation in India’s drone sector. This initiative not only supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision but also positions India as a prominent player in the global drone industry, with ambitious goals to become a major hub for drone technology by 2030.
