New Approvals Enhance Garuda Aerospace’s Role in Building India’s Drone Industry
Garuda Aerospace, a drone company based in Chennai, India, has secured two significant approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). These approvals showcase the company’s dedication to meeting regulatory standards and expanding its capabilities in drone manufacturing and pilot training.
New DGCA Certifications: Manufacturing and Training
The latest certifications from the DGCA include a Delta Type certification for manufacturing and a Train the Trainer approval for its Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO). These certifications are critical for companies operating in India’s rapidly growing drone industry.
The Delta Type certification validates Garuda Aerospace’s ability to design, manufacture, and maintain drones that meet the DGCA’s strict standards. This certification ensures that the drones produced by Garuda meet safety and quality benchmarks, which are essential for drone operations across various sectors in India.
The Train the Trainer approval allows Garuda Aerospace to educate and certify trainers who will, in turn, train drone pilots. By gaining this approval, the company strengthens its role in developing a skilled workforce in the Indian drone market. This move is expected to support the growth of the industry by providing qualified drone operators for commercial and industrial applications.
Expanding DGCA Approvals Portfolio
With these new certifications, Garuda Aerospace now holds a total of six DGCA approvals. The complete list includes:
- Delta Type certification for small drone manufacturing (October 2024)
- Train the Trainer approval for its RPTO (September 2024)
- RPTO approval for medium drones (December 2023)
- Type Certification for medium drone manufacturing (October 2023)
- Type Certification for small drone manufacturing (December 2023)
- RPTO approval for small drones (September 2022)
Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, expressed his enthusiasm for these achievements. He said, “These new DGCA approvals open up new avenues for growth and expansion, allowing us to serve a wider range of customers and contribute more significantly to the Indian drone industry. By achieving both manufacturing and training certifications, we are reaffirming our commitment to fostering a thriving and self-sufficient drone in the market. The DGCA approvals are crucial for driving innovation and empowering industries across the world and will enable us to capitalise on this growth potential and position Garuda Aerospace as a key player in the industry. By investing in research and development, training skilled personnel, and building strategic partnerships, we aim to contribute to the development of a vibrant and sustainable drone ecosystem in India.”
Milestones and Industry Contributions
Garuda Aerospace has been making strides in the Indian drone market. In 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched 100 drones at 100 locations across India, highlighting Garuda’s role in using drone technology to benefit farmers and boost agricultural profitability. Additionally, Indian cricketer MS Dhoni joined Garuda Aerospace as a brand ambassador and stakeholder. His involvement has further amplified Garuda’s vision of advancing India’s drone capabilities.
As the first company in India to receive both manufacturing and training certifications from the DGCA, Garuda Aerospace demonstrates its comprehensive approach to the industry. The company’s focus on innovation, training, and strategic partnerships aims to contribute to the growth of a robust and sustainable drone ecosystem in India.