Thales, has joined forces with Garuda Aerospace, an Indian drone manufacturer, to transform drone operations in India. The two companies recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to leverage their respective strengths and contribute to the growth of India’s drone ecosystem.
Under this agreement, Thales will bring its expertise in Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) and UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) detection systems. These technologies are crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of drones, particularly in densely populated and urban areas.
Thales’ UTM solutions are designed to manage drone traffic, prevent collisions, and integrate drones into existing air traffic control systems. Additionally, their UAV detection systems enhance security by identifying unauthorized drones, thereby preventing potential threats.
Garuda Aerospace, known for its innovative drone manufacturing and services, will provide its local market knowledge and operational capabilities. The company has a strong presence in the Indian drone market, offering various applications such as agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and disaster management. By combining Thales’ technological prowess with Garuda’s market expertise, the partnership aims to create a robust and scalable drone infrastructure in India.
This collaboration is in line with the Indian government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), which emphasizes local manufacturing and technological innovation. By fostering such partnerships, the government aims to position India as a global hub for drone technology and applications.
The MoU also highlights the importance of regulatory support and public-private collaboration in advancing the drone industry. With Thales and Garuda Aerospace working together, the future of drone operations in India looks promising, with enhanced safety, security, and efficiency.Thales has been present in India since 1953 and is headquartered in Noida, with operational offices in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. The company, along with its joint ventures, employs over 2200 people in India. Thales has played a crucial role in India’s growth by providing technologies and expertise in Defence, Aerospace, and Cybersecurity & Digital Identity. The company operates two engineering competence centers in India: one in Noida focusing on Cybersecurity & Digital Identity, and another in Bengaluru dedicated to hardware, software, and systems engineering for both civil and defence sectors.
Garuda Aerospace is a leading drone technology start-up in India, aiming to revolutionize the Precision Agriculture and Industry 4.0 sectors. Established in 2015 with a team of 5, Garuda has grown to a 200+ member team with the largest drone fleet in India, comprising over 2500 drones and 4000 pilots across 400 districts. The company designs, builds, and customizes Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), offering 30 types of drones and 50 types of services.
Garuda Aerospace has served over 750 clients, including major corporations like TATA, Godrej, Adani, Reliance, and many others. It has partnered with global companies such as Lockheed Martin, Cognizant, and Elbit Systems. The company is the first to receive DGCA approvals for Type Certification and Remote Pilot Training Organisation in India. Garuda Aerospace is on a mission to positively impact 1 billion lives with affordable precision drone technology.
