Thales and Garuda Aerospace sign India drone operations pact
Thales leads in drone integration and UTM systems
Thales, a global leader in aerospace technology, and Garuda Aerospace, a prominent Indian drone manufacturer, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the safety and efficiency of uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) operations across India.
The MoU, which will take effect in August 2024, outlines a strategic collaboration between Thales and Garuda Aerospace. They will combine their expertise to create a robust and secure drone ecosystem in India.
Under the agreement, Thales will leverage its extensive knowledge of Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) solutions, UAV detection technologies, and system integration to support Garuda Aerospace’s initiatives.
In return, Garuda will contribute its deep understanding of the Indian market, its capabilities in UAV manufacturing, and its established presence in the sector.
Beneficial collaboration
The partnership between Thales and Garuda Aerospace aims to transform the Indian drone landscape by integrating Thales’s global expertise with Garuda’s local knowledge. This collaboration is expected to drive technological innovations, enhance the safety and efficiency of drone operations, and support the growth of drone-based applications across the country.
Ashish Saraf, Vice President and Country Director at Thales in India, highlighted the importance of this collaboration: “The [Indian] government is laying a solid foundation for the drone ecosystem in India, creating opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and growth.
“We are excited to partner with Garuda Aerospace to advance UTM systems in India. This partnership aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision and aims to support India’s goal to become a global drone hub by 2030.”
Agnishwar Jayaprakash, founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, added: “We are thrilled to join forces with Thales to drive technological innovations forward in the drone sector. Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched 100 Garuda drones in 100 villages, we have solidified our position in the precision agri-drone segment.
“With Thales’s UTM technology and our extensive fleet, we are poised to revolutionise the drone sector and contribute significantly to India’s transformation into a global powerhouse.”
Rapid growth
The collaboration comes when the Indian drone industry is experiencing rapid growth, accompanied by regulatory hurdles and the need for advanced technological solutions. The MoU addresses these challenges by leveraging Thales’s expertise in UTM systems and Garuda’s extensive operational experience.
Thales is renowned for its contributions to aerospace technology, including advanced solutions for managing UAV flight authorisations and integrating high-performance radar and sensors for UAV detection. The company’s experience spans from design and development to implementation and maintenance of UTM systems.
Thales collaborates closely with civil aviation authorities and air navigation service providers to ensure that its UTM solutions include essential capabilities such as aircraft tracking and deconfliction.
Established in Chennai in 2015, Garuda Aerospace has emerged as a leader in the Indian drone market. The company boasts a fleet of over 2,500 drones and 4,000 pilots operating across 400 districts. Garuda focuses on building cutting-edge drone solutions for various applications, including precision agriculture and defence.
The company has made notable strides in the sector, including a significant presence in the agri-tech field. It claims that 50% of India’s agricultural drones are Garuda’s.
Thales’s global experience in drone integration and UTM systems, combined with Garuda’s deep understanding of the Indian market and its established infrastructure, positions this partnership to impact the sector.
As India continues to develop its drone capabilities, the synergy between these two leading organisations is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of drone operations in the country.
The strategic MoU between Thales and Garuda Aerospace signifies a significant step towards advancing drone technology and operations in India, setting the stage for continued growth and innovation in the sector.
Featured image: Thales and Garuda Aerospace representatives after the signing of the MoU. Credit: Thales
