Garuda Aerospace, the drone technology company supported by cricket icon MS Dhoni, has entered into an agreement with Airbus Helicopters to procure up to 18 Flexrotor uncrewed aerial systems. The deal represents a major step in Garuda Aerospace’s plan to broaden its international unmanned aviation services and strengthen its aerial intelligence capabilities across multiple industries.
The Flexrotor drones will become part of Garuda Aerospace’s expanding global fleet and will be made available to customers through flexible leasing options, including both dry lease and wet lease models. By adding these long-endurance systems, the company aims to provide advanced aerial monitoring and intelligence solutions to clients operating in diverse sectors worldwide.
These drones are designed to support a wide range of operational missions. Applications include monitoring critical infrastructure, inspecting energy pipelines, surveying power transmission lines, and overseeing rail and highway networks. The systems can also play a key role in emergency response activities such as disaster assessment, wildfire monitoring, law enforcement support, and search-and-rescue missions.
Garuda Aerospace Founder and Chief Executive Officer Agnishwar Jayaprakash said the collaboration marks an important moment in the company’s global expansion journey. According to him, Garuda Aerospace has already manufactured and delivered more than 5,000 drones and works with over 500 government and enterprise clients across different parts of the world. The company now intends to further diversify its services and technology portfolio by integrating high-performance unmanned systems capable of addressing complex operational requirements.
He added that Garuda Aerospace has accumulated more than one million flight hours across its drone operations and currently commands around 30 percent of the agricultural drone market in India. With an established presence in agriculture, defence, and industrial applications, the addition of Flexrotor drones is expected to strengthen the company’s ability to deliver reliable long-duration aerial operations in demanding environments.
Airbus Helicopters also highlighted the significance of the partnership. Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President for Global Business at Airbus Helicopters, noted that Garuda Aerospace’s decision to incorporate the Flexrotor system reflects the platform’s growing relevance for organizations that require dependable and long-endurance aerial surveillance technology.
The Flexrotor drone is a lightweight tactical unmanned aircraft built for extended missions and equipped to integrate advanced sensors. With a maximum takeoff weight of roughly 25 kilograms, the aircraft is capable of remaining airborne for approximately 12 to 14 hours under typical operating conditions. This endurance enables the system to carry out intelligence, surveillance, monitoring, and data collection tasks across large geographical areas.
A major advantage of the platform is its ability to operate in challenging environments where traditional aircraft may face limitations. The Flexrotor system can autonomously take off and land within a compact space measuring about 3.7 meters by 3.7 meters. This capability allows the drone to operate from confined land locations or maritime vessels without the need for a conventional flight deck.
The drone’s modular architecture also supports rapid deployment. Once transported to a mission site, the system can be assembled and prepared for flight in less than half an hour, enabling quick response in time-sensitive situations such as emergency operations or infrastructure inspections.
Through this partnership, Garuda Aerospace intends to further develop its international unmanned aviation ecosystem. By integrating advanced drone platforms into its service offerings, the company plans to deliver long-endurance aerial monitoring solutions to sectors including energy, infrastructure, agriculture, defence, and public safety.
Garuda Aerospace has quickly established itself as one of the fastest-growing drone technology companies globally. With thousands of drones deployed, a significant share of the agricultural drone market in India, and a large client base spanning governments and enterprises, the company continues to invest in new technologies and international expansion. The introduction of Flexrotor drones into Garuda Aerospace’s operational fleet is expected to play an important role in the company’s ambition to build a scalable global drone services platform capable of supporting complex missions around the world.
