India (Commonwealth Union)_ Andhra Pradesh is poised to lead India’s drone manufacturing revolution, with the state set to host the country’s first and largest drone city in Kurnool. The ambitious project, located in Orvakal village, has already completed its land acquisition process, and construction is expected to begin shortly. The development, backed by a Rs 100 crore investment from Garuda Aerospace, aims to make the state a global leader in the drone industry. The announcement of the upcoming drone city was made by K Dinesh Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director of the Andhra Pradesh Drone Corporation (APDC), during a roundtable conference attended by over 100 prominent industrialists and investors from the drone manufacturing and services sectors.
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Kumar highlighted the state’s determination to establish itself as the nation’s drone capital, in alignment with the vision of Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu. “The drone city in Orvakal will serve as a comprehensive hub for manufacturing, testing, research, repairs, and development — all under one roof,” Kumar explained. “This project is set to generate 40,000 job opportunities and will house the world’s largest common drone testing facility.” The drone city will play a key role in Andhra Pradesh’s broader strategy to become a global competitor in the drone manufacturing space. As part of its initiatives, the state government is offering substantial incentives to attract companies to the sector, providing investors with flexibility in setting up operations across various districts. The state’s commitment to creating a supportive ecosystem for drone development is evident, as it seeks to rival established drone manufacturing giants such as China, Belgium, and the United States.
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In addition to attracting investment, the Andhra Pradesh government is focusing on cultivating a skilled workforce to meet the industry’s growing demands. Specialized training programs are being offered to students from engineering and polytechnic colleges, alongside hands-on workshops in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design, and Manufacturing (IIITDM) in Kurnool. These efforts aim to ensure that a steady pipeline of talent is prepared to enter the rapidly expanding drone sector. Furthermore, the state government has committed to integrating drone technology into its own operations, enhancing service delivery, and improving efficiency across departments. Plans are also underway to incorporate artificial intelligence and advanced technologies into the drone industry, further boosting its potential.
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The announcement of the drone city has been met with widespread acclaim from industry leaders, who view the project as a model for other regions in the country. The strategic location of the city near Hyderabad has garnered positive attention, with several investors already expressing interest in setting up manufacturing facilities in the region. In a significant development, Garuda Aerospace, a leading drone manufacturer, revealed its investment of Rs 100 crore towards the creation of the drone city in Orvakal. The company aims to make the city a hub for drone innovation, research, and talent attraction. This investment is in line with Garuda Aerospace’s broader vision of making India a global leader in drone technology.
Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, expressed his enthusiasm for the project during a meeting with the Minister of Civil Aviation, Rama Mohan Naidu Ji. Jayaprakash emphasized the importance of the initiative as part of the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra,’ and its alignment with the ongoing ‘Namo Drone Didi’ initiative, which empowers rural women through drone technology. “The Drone City will serve as a beacon of innovation, fostering cutting-edge research, and attracting top talent from across the globe,” Jayaprakash stated. “This investment is a significant step toward our goal of expanding Garuda Aerospace’s global footprint, pursuing an IPO, and continuing to develop innovative drone solutions that address critical societal challenges.”
Garuda Aerospace’s commitment to the project is further evidenced by its recent achievements, including receiving six approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), notably Type Certification and Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) approvals. These accomplishments solidify the company’s role as a key player in the rapidly growing drone industry. The establishment of India’s first drone city in Kurnool signals the beginning of an exciting chapter for the nation’s drone sector. With a vision focused on innovation, job creation, and global competitiveness, Andhra Pradesh is well on its way to becoming a leader in the emerging drone technology landscape.