Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary cricketer, and drone manufacturer Garuda Aerospace have recently renewed their brand ambassador agreement, with Dhoni also increasing his financial stake in the company. The initial contract, which began in 2022, was set to expire in September of this year. However, as Dhoni is already an investor in Garuda Aerospace, the partnership is set to continue seamlessly.
Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, emphasized the deep connection between Dhoni and the company, highlighting how the ongoing association reflects a shared vision. Jayaprakash expressed immense admiration for Dhoni, fondly referring to him as “Mahi Bhai.” He noted that Dhoni’s unwavering support and belief in Garuda Aerospace have been instrumental in driving the team to perform at its best.
“Mahi Bhai has been an inspiration for all of us at Garuda Aerospace. His encouragement and unwavering support enthuse each one of us to always deliver to the best of our ability,” Jayaprakash said. Dhoni’s ability to motivate and inspire is not limited to the cricket field; it extends to the corporate world, where his influence has been crucial in fostering a culture of excellence within the company.
The partnership between Dhoni and Garuda Aerospace is more than just a business relationship; it’s a synergy that reflects shared values and aspirations. Dhoni’s association with drone technology, particularly in agriculture and consumer markets, aligns with Garuda’s mission to bring advanced drone solutions to rural areas and urban consumers alike.
As Jayaprakash explained, “The value he brings to the emerging drone technology is immense. Mahi Bhai is an epitome of a rural youth success story, and both agri and consumer drones resonate with our target audience. His star power has helped Garuda reach the deepest pockets of India.” Dhoni’s rural roots and widespread popularity, especially in semi-urban and rural areas, have played a key role in helping Garuda Aerospace penetrate markets that are often challenging to reach.
In addition to his contributions to branding and market penetration, Dhoni’s investment in Garuda Aerospace signifies his confidence in the company’s future. Over the past few years, Garuda has established itself as a leader in the agricultural and consumer drone sectors, and with Dhoni’s backing, the company is now setting its sights on expanding into defense technology. The strategic shift towards defense drones is a significant move, reflecting Garuda Aerospace’s ambition to diversify and grow within the drone industry.
Garuda Aerospace has also made significant strides internationally, having forged key partnerships with global players such as Thales (France), Agrowing (Israel), and Spirit Aeronautics (Greece). These collaborations are aimed at promoting technology transfer, enabling local manufacturing, and driving down costs. By working with international experts, Garuda Aerospace ensures that it stays at the forefront of drone innovation, making its technology more accessible and affordable for a wide range of users.
In terms of financial performance, Garuda Aerospace has seen remarkable growth. The company ended FY23 with a turnover of approximately Rs 47 crore (Rs 470 million). In the previous fiscal year, it logged revenues of Rs 110 crore (Rs 1.10 billion), demonstrating its robust growth trajectory. Jayaprakash attributes much of this success to Dhoni’s involvement, which has amplified the company’s visibility and reputation both domestically and internationally.
Looking ahead, Garuda Aerospace aims to consolidate its position as a leader in the drone industry, with plans to expand further into defense technology. The company’s vision is to leverage cutting-edge drone technology for a wide range of applications, from agriculture to national security, thus positioning itself as a versatile and innovative player in the global drone market. The renewed partnership with Dhoni, coupled with Garuda Aerospace’s ambitious expansion plans, signals a bright future for the company.
As Dhoni continues to lend his star power and strategic insights, Garuda Aerospace is poised to scale new heights, creating meaningful impact across various industries. Garuda Aerospace is an innovative drone manufacturing company based in India, specializing in agricultural and consumer drones. Founded in 2015, the company focuses on delivering advanced drone solutions that enhance productivity in farming and various sectors. With a commitment to technology transfer and local manufacturing, Garuda aims to revolutionize the drone industry while expanding into defense technology.
