Hyderabad, Feb 8, 2024: Hyderabad is set to become a global hub for drone technology, with the establishment of a state-of-the-art drone port and a training centre for drone pilots in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The Telangana State Aviation Academy (TSAA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) to provide advanced training for drone pilots, covering aspects such as piloting, data management, and analysis. The training centre will also conduct a 15-day specialised course on data analysis, processing, and mapping for NRSC scientists and drone pilots at the TSAA.
The drone port, which will be located at the Pharma City in the city outskirts, will serve as a hub for pilot training and facilitate operational trials for drone manufacturers. The drone port will also enable unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols in sea lanes, enhancing India’s maritime security.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, and ISRO Chairman S Somanath at the Secretariat on Wednesday. The chief minister expressed his vision of making Hyderabad a global leader in drone technology by 2030, and said that the drone port and the training centre will boost the state’s innovation and competitiveness in the field.
The chief minister also emphasised the need to extend training beyond civilian pilots, and suggested that government officials, from Tehsildars to higher authorities, should also be trained in drone technology to foster wider awareness and understanding of its potential applications across sectors, such as defence, agriculture, healthcare, and disaster management.
ISRO Chairman Somanath said that the NRSC, a leader in satellite, remote sensing, and space technology, will leverage its expertise to provide training tailored to advanced drone applications. He also praised the state government for its proactive and visionary approach in promoting drone technology.
The MoU comes after the announcement of a $3.99 billion deal between India and the US for the supply of 31 MQ-9B Predator drones, which are designed for high-altitude, long-endurance missions and armed with Hellfire missiles and smart bombs. The deal, which was approved by the US Congress last week, will significantly enhance India’s unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, particularly along the Line of Actual Control with China.
The drone industry in India is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, with increasing demand and applications across various sectors. The government has also introduced several initiatives and policies to support the development and regulation of the drone ecosystem, such as the Drone Rules 2023, the National Drone Policy 2023, and the Digital Sky Platform. The budget 2024 also allocated Rs 500 crore for the production incentives and R&D for drone technology.
With the establishment of the drone port and the training centre, Hyderabad is poised to become a pioneer and a hotspot for drone technology, attracting talent, investment, and innovation from across the world.
