AVPL International, a drone manufacturing and training company, has announced a fresh investment of $1 million (approximately ₹8.5 crore) to boost research and development in defence-oriented unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This latest funding follows a $12 million commitment made in April 2025 for scaling up drone manufacturing and pilot training. The current initiative is focused on strengthening India’s domestic drone capabilities for defence, homeland security, and multipurpose operations.
According to the company, the funding will be directed toward closing key gaps in India’s drone sector. This includes minimizing reliance on imported hardware, advancing autonomous drone technology, and developing indigenous counter-drone systems to safeguard critical infrastructure. A major aspect of AVPL’s R&D push involves creating high-altitude drone platforms designed for extended operations in challenging terrains like the Himalayas.
In addition to technological innovation, the investment will support the expansion of AVPL’s production facilities in Bihar and Hisar. The company also plans to upskill ex-servicemen and Agniveers through specialized drone training programs, leveraging their military expertise to build a capable national UAV workforce.
AVPL International is active across a range of sectors including defence, geospatial intelligence, precision agriculture, and drone-based services like surveillance, scanning, and mapping. AVPL International (AITMC Ventures Ltd) is a prominent force in the fields of drone technology, precision agriculture, geospatial intelligence, and defense. The company also delivers comprehensive drone-based services including aerial mapping, scanning, and surveillance.
Since its establishment in 2016 by co-founders Preet Sandhuu and Deep Sihag Sisai, AVPL has maintained a leadership role in innovation, education, and technological advancement. With a presence in 12 Indian states, AVPL operates a network of 50 Global Incubation & Skill Hubs (GISH) and 20 World Incubation & Skill Hubs (WISH), driving workforce development and research integration. The organization remains committed to supporting the evolution of unmanned systems and establishing India as a global leader in drone technology.