Drone Certification in India: NTH Gets Certification Nod

In a significant development for India's growing drone ecosystem, the National Test House (NTH), Northern Region, Ghaziabad, has been provisionally approved by the Quality Council of India (QCI) as a Certification Body for the type certification of drones. This marks a pivotal moment in the country's journey towards becoming a global drone powerhouse. This development aligns seamlessly with the Government of India's ambitious plans to foster a robust and regulated drone industry, as outlined in the Drone Rules 2021.

NTH's Crucial Role in Drone Certification in India 

NTH's new role in type certification is instrumental in ensuring that Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) manufactured in India adhere to stringent national and international safety, quality, and performance standards. This certification process is a cornerstone of India's aspiration to establish a globally competitive drone sector, reinforcing the "Make in India" and "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiatives.

Vimaana Aerospace Technologies Under the NTH Spotlight

To kickstart its new responsibilities, NTH will conduct a Stage-2 (onsite) audit from 11th to 12th September 2024 at Vimaana Aerospace Technologies, Noida. The audit will focus on the company's D1 application for the Krishiraj 1.0, an agricultural drone designed to enhance farming efficiency. Type certification is a mandatory requirement for drone operations in India, as stipulated by the Drone Rules 2021. This ensures that drones are safe and reliable for diverse applications, including agriculture, healthcare, logistics, and infrastructure.

India's Soaring Drone Market Size 

India's drone industry is poised for rapid growth, driven by favorable government policies, increasing demand across various sectors, and technological advancements.

Forecasts indicate that the market will expand from USD 654 million in 2024 to USD 1,437 million by 2029, with a CAGR of 17.0%. The number of drones in operation is also projected to surge from 10,803 units in 2024 to 61,393 units by 2029. The Civil Aviation Ministry estimates that the Indian drone industry will reach INR 120-150 billion (USD 1.5-1.9 billion) by 2026, reflecting the industry's immense potential.

NTH's Commitment to Supporting Innovation

NTH's competitive certification fee of ₹1.5 lakh demonstrates its dedication to fostering innovation and supporting the growth of India's drone industry. By offering affordable and efficient certification services, NTH is empowering Indian drone manufacturers to compete on a global scale. The organization's ability to navigate the certification process at a faster pace than its peers underscores its expertise and commitment to drone technology.

Government Policies and Incentives Driving India's Drone Ecosystem

The Government of India has implemented several initiatives to promote the domestic manufacturing of drones and create a conducive ecosystem for the industry.

• Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Announced in 2021, the PLI scheme for the drone sector allocates ₹120 crore to promote drone manufacturing in India. The scheme is a key pillar of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, aimed at positioning India as a global hub for drone production.
• Drone Shakti Scheme: The Drone Shakti scheme, announced in the 2022 Union Budget, supports drone startups and promotes the 'Drone-as-a-Service' (DrAAS) model, boosting the sector’s growth potential.
• SVAMITVA Scheme: Through drone surveys, the SVAMITVA scheme helps provide rural property owners with accurate records of rights, enabling loans and reducing property disputes. As of January 2024, drone surveys have been completed in over 2.93 lakh villages.

The Future of India's Drone Industry

India's drone industry is poised for significant growth, driven by technological advancements, government support, and increasing demand across various sectors. NTH's role as a certification body is crucial in ensuring that Indian-made drones meet international standards and contribute to the country's economic growth and innovation. With initiatives like "Make in India" and "Aatmanirbhar Bharat," India is well-positioned to become a global leader in drone technology.