India Drones Market: Current Analysis and Forecast (2025-2033)

India Drones Market Size & Forecast

The India Drones Market was valued at USD ~1150 million in 2024 and is expected to grow to a strong CAGR of around 20.50% during the forecast period (2025-2033F), owing to the increasing demand from agriculture, infrastructure, surveillance, and logistics is rising steadily.

India Drones Market Analysis

In the commercial and defense domains, a drone is an automotive system that can be applied in various fields including agriculture, construction and infrastructure surveys, delivery services and logistics, security and protection, surveillance and spying for military purposes. Such platforms enable the automation of tasks, minimize possible operational hazards and increase the reliability of the data, so they are useful in different spheres.

To achieve growth in the drone market, drone companies in India are engaged in using UAVs in almost every field, ranging from agri-business, defense and security, logistics, construction, and infrastructure to public safety. Idea Forge, Garuda Aerospace, Marut Drones, and Asteria Aerospace are increasing the concepts of Drone as a service, designing and establishing drones with AI capabilities, and opening manufacturing facilities under the policy of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. They are also collaborating with government institutions for Kisan Drone initiatives and BVLOS demonstration, some are also coming up with new technologies of drone swarming, surveillance, and delivery. These are meant for achieving incremental demand within the sector and to increase the use of drones across the country.

On March 25, 2025, Garuda Aerospace, a commercial and defense UAV firm based in Chennai, India, announced new partnerships with Titan Innovations, Easy Aerial, Azur Drones, Aero Sentinel, and Securiton for nationwide distribution of their units across security, infrastructure, and defense applications.

India Drones Market Trends

This section discusses the key market trends that are influencing the various segments of the India Drones market, as found by our team of research experts.

Increasing Role of Artificial Intelligence and Data Analysis in Drones

The emerging areas in the India drone market are the adoption of AI and machine learning in improving the efficiency of drones. Major companies are using these smart systems for image analytics, object identification, and preventive measures for security and surveillance, using drones in agriculture, surveillance, and monitoring structures. Moreover, the rising real-time and automation of features, and enhancing drones to become smart data solutions. Moreover, the demand continues to rise for drone-deployed aerial intelligence and AI-powered drones.

For example, IdeaForge Technology Limited unveiled its new UAV called NETRA 5 on February 9, 2025, that would serve as the future defense and security in the world. Focused on resilience and versatility with homegrown technology, the NETRA 5 sets new industry benchmarks with its cutting-edge intelligence, adaptability, and operational durability.

Powered by ideaForge's advanced onboard computer, the NETRA 5 can enable AI-driven mission workflows, including the detection of military assets such as bunkers, tanks, bridges, posts, and obstacles.

Drones Industry Segmentation

This section provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the India Drones market report, along with forecasts at the regional and state levels for 2025-2033.

The fixed-wing drone market held the dominant share of the drone market in 2024.

Based on the type, the market is segmented into fixed wing, rotary wing, and hybrid VTOL. Among these, the fixed-wing drone market held the dominant share of the market in 2024. Fixed-wing drones are increasingly being used in India because of better range, better endurance, and being better suited for area coverage. The use of these in surveys, borders, and agricultural areas makes them well-suited for government and enterprise. In line with the demands of infrastructure construction and defense operations, which require long-endurance surveillance, fixed-wing UAVs are gradually emerging as indispensable assets. This is making organizations invest in and design and develop modern fixed-wing structures locally. On April 13, 2025, for the first time, India showcased its capability to shoot down fixed-wing aircraft, missiles, and swarm drones using a 30-kilowatt laser-based weapon system. India has joined the list of selected countries, including the US, China, and Russia, that have shown such a capability, as per the News on Air government.

The fully autonomous drone market is expected to grow with a significant CAGR during the forecast period (2025-2033) of the Drones Market.

Based on the mode of operation, the market is segmented into remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), fully autonomous, and semi-autonomous. Among these, the fully autonomous drone market is expected to grow with a significant CAGR during the forecast period (2025-2033). This segment is most dynamic as it allows operations without the input from humans, thus mitigating risks that come with human input. It is also very efficient in activities such as surveillance, mapping, and delivery, among others. These are suitable for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) and repetitive operations required in industries and are highly scalable to increase reliability. In November 2024, an Odisha-based startup, Bon V Aero launched a fully autonomous logistics drone service called Air Orca. The launch of the drone service was made in the presence of venture capitalist Tim Draper.

West India will grow the drone market during the forecast period.

West India is expected to grow with a significant CAGR during the forecast period (2025-2033). The areas like Maharashtra, Gujarat & Rajasthan are fast emerging as the favored geographical regions in Western India to incorporate the use of drones for industrial inspections, logistics & infrastructure. The utilization of drones in solar farms, oil refineries, ports, and highways has become the order of the day owing to expansive areas of the industry and geographical terrains. Maharashtra and Gujarat are also working on establishing drone testing corridors and manufacturing units. Such investment, combined with private investment, is driving company growth and or the use of drone services in the western region. For instance, on January 9, 2025, ideaForge Technology Limited, joined hands with Schnell Drone Technologies Limited for a groundbreaking project initiated by the Department of Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra. This is a great initiative to curtail IUU (Illegal, Unreported & Unregulated) fishing in the State Territorial Waters. This pioneering initiative not only underscores the use of advanced drone technology for fisheries surveillance but also represents the first such deployment in India, setting a new benchmark in marine resource management and regulatory enforcement.

Drones Industry Competitive Landscape

The India Drones market is competitive, with several global and international market players. The key players are adopting different growth strategies to enhance their market presence, such as partnerships, agreements, collaborations, new product launches, geographical expansions, and mergers and acquisitions.

Top India Drones Companies

Some of the major players in the market are IdeaForge Technology Ltd, Garuda Aerospace Private Limited, Zen Technologies Limited, Asteria Aerospace Limited, Adani Group, insideFPV Ventures Private Limited, Paras Defence and Space Technologies Limited, Throttle Aerospace Systems Pvt. ltd., General Aeronautics Pvt. Ltd., Dhaksha Unmanned Systems Private Limited.

Recent Developments in the India Drones Market

• On March 18, 2025, The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with the Drone Federation India (DFI), launched the National Innovation Challenge for Drone Application and Research (NIDAR) under the ‘SwaYaan - Capacity Building for Human Resource Development in Unmanned Aircraft Systems’ initiative. The event was held at Electronics Niketan, with MeitY government representatives, industry experts, and students from across the nation, through online video-conferencing mode

• On February 11, 2025, ideaForge Technology Limited unveiled its latest range of advanced UAV platforms and solutions, including NETRA 5, SWITCH V2, Tactical UAV (Concept), and Logistics UAV (Concept) at Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru. As one of the premier aerospace and defense exhibitions in the country, Aero India serves as the perfect stage to showcase groundbreaking aerial innovations that push the boundaries of defense technology.

• On January 3, 2025, Garuda Aerospace signed an agreement with Rajasthan Electronics & Instruments Limited (REIL) to establish a Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) in Jaipur. This strategic collaboration will address the growing demand for skilled drone operators across diverse sectors by providing comprehensive, DGCA-compliant training programs.

• On January 9, 2025, ideaForge Technology Limited joined hands with Schnell Drone Technologies Limited for a groundbreaking project initiated by the Department of Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra. This is a great initiative to curtail IUU (Illegal, Unreported & Unregulated) fishing in the State Territorial Waters. This pioneering initiative not only underscores the use of advanced drone technology for fisheries surveillance but also represents the first such deployment in India, setting a new benchmark in marine resource management and regulatory enforcement.

India Drones Market Report Coverage

Reasons to Buy the India Drones Market Report:

• The study includes market sizing and forecasting analysis confirmed by authenticated key industry experts.

• The report briefly reviews overall industry performance at a glance.

• The report covers an in-depth analysis of prominent industry peers, primarily focusing on key business financials, type portfolios, expansion strategies, and recent developments.

• Detailed examination of drivers, restraints, key trends, and opportunities prevailing in the industry.

• The study comprehensively covers the market across different segments.

• Deep dive regional level analysis of the industry.

Customization Options:

The India Drones market can further be customized as per the requirements or any other market segment. Besides this, UnivDatos understands that you may have your own business needs; hence, feel free to contact us to get a report that completely suits your requirements.