Garuda Aerospace, supported by cricket legend MS Dhoni, has inaugurated a new Drone Battery Manufacturing Facility in Chennai. The event, held on 7 January 2026, was graced by Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), highlighting the company's commitment to bolstering India's self-reliant drone ecosystem. The inauguration coincided with the Bharat Drone Udaan event, organised by the Bharat Drone Association.
The new facility aims to enhance the production of drone batteries, a crucial component in the rapidly expanding drone industry. During the event, Kidwai also unveiled the 'Garuda Bharat Drone Udaan Impact Book', which details Garuda Aerospace's journey and its contributions to the Make in India initiative. The book underscores the impact of drone technology across various sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, and disaster management.
Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and Director of Garuda Aerospace, remarked on the company's evolution over the past decade, stating, "We have manufactured over 3,000 drones and trained more than 2,500 drone pilots." He emphasised the importance of government initiatives and policies in supporting the company's growth and commitment to local manufacturing.
Kidwai praised Garuda Aerospace's efforts, noting, "The range of drones being produced here is not only beneficial to our armed forces but also to farmers and industry." He highlighted the company's role in advancing indigenisation by producing critical components domestically.
The new facility and impact book mark significant milestones in Garuda Aerospace's mission to create a comprehensive, self-reliant drone ecosystem, supporting India's burgeoning drone economy.
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