Indias Drone Ecosystem Surpasses 38,500 Registered Drones and 39,000 Certified Remote Pilots

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Narendra Jijhontiya

New Delhi, February 17: India’s drone ecosystem is rapidly advancing. The number of registered drones in the country has exceeded 38,500, and as of February 2026, there are 39,890 DGCA-certified remote pilots.

According to official data released on Tuesday, over 240 accredited training institutes have been established for drone operation and maintenance, preparing a skilled workforce.

The government states that the increasing use of drones reflects a robust ecosystem that includes manufacturers, software and component developers, service providers, training institutes, certified pilots, startups, research institutions, and digital platforms. This entire framework operates under a unified regulatory system.

Drones are now actively used in agriculture, land and property surveys, infrastructure monitoring, disaster assessment, and government services, enhancing transparency and accuracy in work.

Under the ownership scheme, drone surveys have been conducted in 328,000 villages, and property cards for 27.6 million properties have been prepared in 182,000 villages across 31 states.

The government asserts that the drone sector has evolved from pilot projects to a mainstream, innovation-driven industry, supported by progressive policies and financial incentives.

Official figures indicate that 1,094 drones have been distributed to women’s self-help groups (SHGs), with over 500 provided under the Namo Drone Didi initiative. This initiative is improving agricultural productivity and women’s income.

The government believes that promoting indigenous manufacturing, skill development for remote pilots, and integration with central and state schemes will enable India to utilize drone technology more effectively for socio-economic development, infrastructure monitoring, and national security.

The statement further noted that drones are also being used for monitoring railways and highways. With increasing government support, budget allocations, and innovation grants, India is rapidly moving towards global leadership in unmanned aerial systems.

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