Are you a DGCA-certified drone pilot with the skills to command the skies? Join Skylark Drones and be at the forefront of cutting-edge drone operations! We’re looking for precision-driven pilots to execute critical aerial missions, from agri-tech, mining, renewable energy and beyond.
If you have the expertise for drone flight and the passion for drone aviation, it’s time to suit up and take off!
Apply today and become a part of the future of drones.
Send your resume to [email protected]
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Mahindra Group, a global Indian conglomerate with a strong presence in aerospace and defense, and Anduril Industries, a U.S.-based defense technology company renowned for its pioneering work in autonomous systems, have announced a landmark strategic partnership. This collaboration aims to co-develop and co-produce cutting-edge autonomous maritime systems, advanced artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled counter unmanned aerial system (CUAS) technologies, and sophisticated command and control (C2) software.
This strategic alliance is driven by the shared vision of strengthening regional security through the deployment of next-generation autonomous solutions, significantly enhancing capabilities for critical maritime operations. The partnership will concentrate on the following key areas:
- Modular Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs): The collaboration will focus on developing highly adaptable, modular AUVs designed for rapid deployment in a variety of critical missions, including security patrols, underwater surveillance, hydrographic surveys, and reconnaissance operations. The modular design will allow for customization and payload integration to meet specific operational requirements.
- Advanced AI-Enabled CUAS: Recognizing the growing threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles, the partnership will develop a state-of-the-art CUAS capable of detecting, tracking, and neutralizing drone threats. Leveraging AI and machine learning, this system will be designed to effectively counter both individual drones and swarms, providing robust protection against evolving aerial risks.
- Integrated Sensor Fusion Platform: A crucial component of the collaboration will be the development of a sophisticated sensor fusion platform. This platform will integrate data from multiple sensor modalities (radar, sonar, electro-optical, etc.) into a comprehensive and actionable intelligence picture. Its open API architecture will facilitate seamless integration with existing systems and accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies across complex security programs.
- Next-Generation Command and Control (C2) Software: Effective command and control are essential for managing complex autonomous systems. The partnership will develop advanced C2 software that provides operators with intuitive situational awareness, real-time control capabilities, and decision support tools for effective mission execution.
“Partnering with Anduril Industries represents a significant leap forward in Mahindra Group’s unwavering commitment to developing and deploying advanced security and autonomous technologies,” said Vinod Sahay, Group Executive Board Member, Mahindra Group. “By combining Mahindra’s robust engineering expertise, established manufacturing capabilities, and deep understanding of the regional security landscape with Anduril’s groundbreaking advancements in AI and autonomous systems, we are poised to deliver truly transformative solutions that address the evolving security challenges of our times.”
“Global security forces are facing a rapidly changing threat landscape, characterized by the proliferation of both emerging unmanned systems and legacy manned platforms. Autonomy is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for maintaining a credible defense posture,” emphasized Greg Kausner, SVP- Global Defence, Anduril Industries. “We are thrilled to join forces with Mahindra Group, a recognized leader in the Indian defense sector, to bring our cutting-edge autonomous technologies to the region and contribute to a safer and more secure future.”
This strategic partnership capitalizes on Mahindra Group’s extensive engineering prowess, established manufacturing footprint, and deep market penetration in India, synergistically combined with Anduril Industries’ world-class expertise in autonomous technology and AI-driven solutions. Both organizations are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation in the defense domain and delivering game-changing solutions that enhance security, operational effectiveness, and strategic advantage.
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In a landmark achievement for India’s drone industry, ideaForge, a leading drone technology and manufacturing company, has now surpassed 550,000 successful UAV flights, with an ideaForge UAV taking off every 4 minutes. This pivotal milestone not only cements ideaForge’s leadership in the Indian UAV sector but also underscores its commitment to indigenous drone manufacturing. As part of India’s drive to become a global drone hub by 2030, ideaForge has achieved approximately 70% localization of critical drone components, marking significant progress in self-reliance through R&D, rigorous testing, and technological innovation.
From its inception, ideaForge has championed indigenization. Back in 2007, when India’s drone ecosystem lacked critical UAV subsystems, ideaForge innovated by developing its own proprietary autopilot system—years before the first open-source systems like ArduPilot. This homegrown approach has led to a robust technology stack, including custom UAV payloads, communication systems, and drone embedded systems specifically designed for military, defense, and surveillance applications. By maintaining strict supply chain control and avoiding sourcing intelligent components from countries of concern, ideaForge ensures security and reliability across its entire technology portfolio, from fixed-wing VTOL drones to traffic monitoring UAVs.
The deployment of ideaForge drones spans across border security, perimeter surveillance, forest monitoring, wildlife conservation, disaster response, volumetric surveys in mining and industrial mapping applications. Recently, ideaForge introduced innovative solutions such as the FLYGHT Drone-as-a-Service model for traffic monitoring and public safety, as well as specialized UAVs for volumetric estimation in mining and surveillance drones for critical infrastructure protection.
The PLI Scheme has further bolstered ideaForge’s expansion in R&D and production capacity, advancing India’s Atmanirbharta initiative. Leveraging this support, ideaForge has significantly reduced reliance on imports and built a domestic drone manufacturing ecosystem with 78 patents (granted and in process) covering UAV payloads, communication systems, autopilot technology, and fixed-wing hybrid drones.
In FY24, around 22% of ideaForge’s revenue is allocated towards product and technology development, with half of its workforce dedicated to developing cutting-edge solutions across hardware, software, and autopilot systems.
Its comprehensive in-house capabilities span everything from UAV control systems and zoom payloads to custom-built GIS mapping and volumetric survey drones for sectors like mining, forestry, and border security.
As ideaForge drives India’s UAV revolution, it reinforces its commitment to self-reliance, innovation, and a secure, scalable UAV manufacturing base that empowers India’s civil, defense, and industrial sectors.
About ideaForge Technology Limited
ideaForge is the pioneer and the pre-eminent market leader in the Indian unmanned aircraft systems (“UAS”). The company is backed by leading investors including Qualcomm, Infosys, Celesta Capital, Florintree, EXIM Bank, Infina Finance and other marquee institutional investors. It was ranked 5th globally in 2023 as a top dual-use (civil & military) drone manufacturer by Drone Industry Insights, the world’s leading drone market research and analytics company. ideaForge has the largest operational deployment of indigenous UAVs across India, with an ideaForge manufactured drone taking off every 4 minutes for surveillance and mapping applications. ideaForge customers have completed over 5,50,000+ flights using ideaForge UAVs.
To know more about ideaForge, visit www.ideaforgetech.com!
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This mission showcased how drone swarms can communicate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) using a network that includes:
- Drone swarm: A group of drones working together.
- Satellite communication (SatCom): A method for transmitting data via satellites.
- Remote ground control station (GCS): The location from which the drone swarm is controlled.
Mission Details
- Location: Ladakh, India (at an altitude of 4200 meters).
- Control Center: NRT HQ in Bengaluru, India (more than 3000 km away).
- Communication: Seamless communication throughout the mission, including real-time data (telemetry) and information from the drone’s sensors (payload data).
- Latency: The network experienced minimal delays.
Benefits of BVLOS Connectivity
- Remote Operations: This technology allows for drone swarm operations beyond the visual range of the operator.
- Improved Mission Resilience: BVLOS connectivity enables drone missions to continue even in situations where communication might be disrupted.
- Contested Environments: Drone swarms can operate in areas where traditional communication methods might be unreliable.
- Multiple Users: Several users in different locations can benefit from this technology.
- Faster Response Times: Encrypted satellite communication links can significantly reduce the time it takes to react to a situation (OODA loop closure).
Overall Impact
This mission demonstrates the potential of BVLOS connectivity for drone swarms, supporting NRT’s Next Generation Missions & Technologies (NGMT) initiative.
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Zoho Corp, a global technology company known for its business software suite, has invested in Yali Aerospace, a Tamil Nadu-based drone startup. Yali Aerospace focuses on using drones for medical supply delivery, particularly in remote areas.
Yali Aerospace: Founded in 2022 by Dinesh Baluraj and Anugraha Ganeshan, Yali Aerospace offers drone solutions for various purposes including medical delivery, surveillance, logistics, precision agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and disaster response [YourStory]. Their drones reportedly have a range of up to 150 kilometers and a payload capacity of 7 kilograms, ideal for medical supplies and potentially even organs.
This investment by Zoho Corp highlights the potential of drone technology in revolutionizing medical supply delivery, especially in remote areas. It will be interesting to see how Yali Aerospace leverages this investment to further develop its drone solutions and make a positive impact on healthcare.
We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone for Airbots Aerospace – we have officially secured Type Certification for our Agriculture Drone, Surya Shakti 15L by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)! This achievement reflects our unwavering dedication to driving innovation within the aerospace and agriculture industries.
At Airbots Aerospace, we believe in pushing boundaries and redefining possibilities. Our latest accomplishment marks just one step in our journey towards pioneering advancements in the field. With your steadfast support, we’re ready to soar to even greater heights!
But that’s not all – we have yet another triumph to share! Our flagship product, Surya Shakti 15L, stands at the forefront of innovation as one of the first 4G drones available in the Indian market.
What sets Surya Shakti apart? Let’s take a closer look:
Higher & Replaceable Tank Capacity: With a generous 15L capacity, Surya Shakti ensures extended operational efficiency, allowing you to cover more ground with ease.
Easy-to-Use Mission Planning Software: Available in 5 regional languages, our intuitive software simplifies mission planning, ensuring seamless integration and accessibility for all users.
4G/LTE Connectivity: Experience real-time remote monitoring and operations management through cloud connectivity, enhancing control and efficiency like never before.
Smart 12s Batteries: Equipped with advanced battery management systems, our smart batteries deliver extended flight times of up to 24 minutes, maximizing productivity on every mission.
Dispensing Payload: Surya Shakti’s dispensing payload capability enables precise application, covering 3+ acres in a single battery charge, ensuring optimal resource utilization.
Smart Charger: Say goodbye to downtime with our smart charger, designed for faster and more efficient charging, keeping you powered up and ready to go.
Obstacle Avoidance: With built-in obstacle avoidance features in our Ground Control Software, you can navigate with confidence, mitigating risks and ensuring smooth operations.
Join us as we celebrate these remarkable achievements and look forward to the endless possibilities that lie ahead. At Airbots Aerospace, we’re committed to driving innovation, empowering progress, and shaping the future of aerospace and agriculture. Together, let’s continue to soar to new heights!
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PDRL, a leading software company, is excited to introduce a groundbreaking certification initiative designed for the innovative AeroMegh platform, marking a significant advancement in the drone industry. As drones become more prevalent with various applications, there is a growing need for skilled professionals to fully harness their potential. PDRL’s AeroMegh platform, combined with its comprehensive certification program, equips professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this rapidly evolving field.
AeroMegh, a cutting-edge Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution, offers a complete end-to-end solution for drone data acquisition, processing, analysis, and flight operations. Utilizing the capabilities of this robust platform allows users to efficiently handle complex tasks while saving valuable time and resources. PDRL’s certification initiative provides professionals with a unique opportunity to gain a deep understanding and mastery of AeroMegh, giving them a distinct competitive advantage in the industry.
As a key player in the drone industry revolution, PDRL proudly plays a vital role, with over 50% of drone manufacturers endorsed under the AeroGCS type certification and an impressive 75% of agriculture drones certified with AeroGCS GREEN, a crucial part of the AeroMegh suite. Recognizing the evident demand for skilled resources, PDRL has meticulously developed a certification program aimed at enhancing the technical knowledge and competencies essential in the thriving drone ecosystem.
Participants in this program gain hands-on experience with the AeroMegh platform, refining their proficiency in its functionalities and applications. Completion of the program results in the prestigious PDRL certified drone professional designation, setting them apart within their professional community.
The comprehensive certification curriculum covers all aspects of drone operations, from flight management to data acquisition, processing, and interpretation. Participants receive practical training, preparing them to navigate the complexities inherent in the thriving drone sector. The PDRL certification serves as a definitive endorsement, confirming that professionals possess the requisite expertise and commitment to excel in the fast-paced, ever-evolving drone landscape.
In a strategic move to ensure the widespread accessibility of this program, PDRL has partnered with Pavaman. Pavaman Aviation, an end-to-end drone solutions organization focused on agriculture, brings a passionate team of engineers and domain experts with a combined experience of over 50 years. Actively researching and providing technological solutions, Pavaman Aviation is establishing a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hyderabad, spread across 18,000 sq.ft., positioning itself as a leader in drone training leading to DGCA certified remote pilot certification.
This partnership with Pavaman is poised to extend the program’s reach, making PDRL’s expertise accessible to professionals from diverse backgrounds and regions.
At the forefront of empowering professionals within the drone industry revolution is PDRL’s AeroMegh platform and its certification program. As the industry continues to progress, the importance of skilled individuals becomes more pronounced. PDRL’s vision and dedication to harnessing drone data for actionable insights are evident in its meticulous certification initiative. This milestone exemplifies PDRL’s unwavering commitment to shaping the future of the drone industry, providing boundless value to aspiring professionals and investors alike.
“The growth potential of the drone industry in our country is experiencing a significant upsurge, with projections indicating a target of reaching $23 billion by 2030. Concurrently, the demand for drone pilot training is poised to pave the way for promising career opportunities in the years ahead. Recognizing the critical need for skilled resources, we emphasize the importance of top-notch training delivered by seasoned professionals to equip today’s workforce effectively. Through our collaboration with PDRL, our goal is to offer comprehensive software application training, empowering drone professionals to deliver high-quality services across diverse industries,” Mr. Anjaneyulu S V S, Founder & CEO of Pavaman Aviations underscores the importance of this milestone.
Mr. Anil Chandaliya, Chief Executive Officer at PDRL, stated that, “PDRL has initiated a mission to certify 10,000 professionals on the AeroMegh platform. Partnering with Pavaman Aviation undoubtedly speeds up this progress. This collaboration marks a noteworthy achievement in PDRL’s commitment to narrowing down the skill gap between the rising demand and the availability of certified professionals. Together, we will accelerate the development of skilled resources and promote more job opportunities within the industry, with the ultimate goal of positioning India as a ‘Global Drone Hub’ by 2030.”
About PDRL: PDRL is a distinguished software entity committed to catalysing the transformation of the drone sector. Its groundbreaking AeroMegh platform presents a holistic solution for translating drone data into actionable insights. With a comprehensive certification program, PDRL empowers professionals with the proficiency and expertise requisite for excelling in the ever-evolving drone industry. Anchored in cutting-edge technologies and strategic partnerships, PDRL assumes a leadership role in shaping the industry’s trajectory.
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In a leap towards the future of drone technology, PDRL announces the launch of the AeroGCS Global Competition. This groundbreaking event aims to elevate global awareness, empower drone enthusiasts, and endorse the innovation that propels the drone technology of tomorrow.
Explore the Competition: Shaping the Future of Drone Technology
PDRL invites individuals worldwide, aged 18 and above, from diverse backgrounds including professionals, experts, tech enthusiasts, and students to be part of this transformative competition. Ignite the spark that reshapes the future of drone technology and propels the widespread adoption of smarter drone applications.
Mr. Vishal Dharankar, CTO at PDRL, expressed his excitement about the competition, stating, “AeroGCS is not merely a competition; it is a platform that embodies the spirit of innovation and technological prowess in the field of drone technology. By organizing this global event, PDRL is committed to fostering creativity and collaboration, ultimately contributing to the realization of Prime Minister Modiji’s vision for India’s prominence in the drone industry by 2024.”
Competition Structure: Embark on a Thrilling Journey
Embark on a thrilling journey through a series of online challenges culminating in a grand finale in Nashik, Maharashtra, India. The structure includes:
- Round #1 on 10th Feb: Online MCQ kick-off
- Round #2 on 17th Feb: Online Competition with AeroGCS GREEN & Simulator
- Round #3 on 24th Feb: On-Field Competition with AeroGCS Config, AeroGCS GREEN, and AeroGCS Enterprise (Configure a drone with AeroGCS Enterprise mission planning and successfully execute a drone flight)
PDRL Offers Exciting Cash Prizes and Rewards!
Participating in the PDRL promises a thrilling opportunity to win exciting cash prizes and rewards through AeroGCS’s recognition of excellence. The AeroGCS Global Champion stands to gain a prestigious Rs 1 Lakh Cash award, a PDRL Certificate, Social Media Spotlight, and valuable job opportunities from PDRL and its esteemed partners. Achieving the status of AeroGCS Expert brings a substantial Rs 50,000 Cash award, a PDRL Certificate, Social Media Spotlight, and promising job prospects from PDRL Partners. The AeroGCS Professional category offers a competitive cash prize of Rs 25,000 for the top ten runners-up, coupled with a PDRL Certificate, Social Media Spotlight, and further career opportunities from PDRL Partners.
Why Participate?
Participate in the AeroGCS Global Competition to:
- Show off globally: Unleash your skills on the world stage.
- Cash Splash: Win big with cash rewards, certificates, and job invites from industry leaders.
- Skill Up: Three epic rounds to test your knowledge and hands-on drone flight skills.
- Networking: Connect with industry maestros, sponsors, and fellow competitors.
- Learn It All: Dive into learning with PDRL’s AeroMegh platform, downloads, manuals, and dedicated portals.
Registration Process:
- Register
- Process Participation Fees: Payment
- Prepare for the competition: AeroGCS GREEN User Manual
Resource Hub & Facilities by PDRL
Dive into a treasure trove of learning tools, including:
- Access to AeroMegh platform
- Essential Drone and Simulator setup
- Travel and accommodation arrangements for participants qualifying for the finale.
PDRL is thrilled and fully prepared for the upcoming extraordinary competition. Anticipating the opportunity to invite participants from around the globe, this competition promises to be a unique and unparalleled event in the realm of drones.
It’s an opportunity to be part of the future of drone technology. Ready to soar? Register now and make your mark in the AeroGCS Global Competition!
About PDRL
PDRL is a leading software company dedicated to revolutionizing the drone industry. Its AeroMegh platform provides an end-to-end solution for transforming drone data into actionable insights. With a comprehensive certification program, PDRL empowers professionals with the knowledge and skills to excel in the evolving drone industry. PDRL’s commitment to cutting-edge technologies and strategic partnerships positions it as a leader in shaping the future of the industry.
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Johnnette Technologies, one of the top Indian UAV manufacturers, has received an order to Supply their flagship tactical fixed-wing drone, Johnnette JF-2, to the Indian Army for border surveillance. The company claims the drone is India’s first crash-resistant drone and stands out as an example of the made-in-India push driven by our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, to achieve self-reliance in Defence.
With a vision to create cutting-edge drones and robots, Lt Cdr John Livingstone – Founder and CEO, started his entrepreneurial journey after retiring from the Indian Navy and founded Johnnette Technologies Private Limited in 2014. Since then, the company has been a pioneer in developing cutting-edge unmanned systems technology for Military and Commercial applications in India. “It is a great feeling to be able to serve the nation even after retiring from the Defence Forces. My team has done prolonged R&D and has created this tactical fixed-wing UAV, Johnnette JF-2, for the Military requirements. The uniqueness of our lightweight JF-2 is its ability to be crash resistant in multiple terrains due to its sturdy belly-landing design”. says Lt Cdr John Livingstone.
Johnnette JF-2 is a hand-launched fixed-wing tactical UAV that is designed for surveillance and reconnaissance operations. Its payloads include a high-definition day camera and a thermal imaging camera which makes the platform ideal for day and night operations. It has crash-proof avionics bay, anti-jamming and anti-spoofing features which make it an ideal solution for land forces. This is the first fixed-wing UAV in its class to be deployed by the Indian Army for border surveillance.
Johnnette Technologies Pvt Ltd. has been a pioneer in the development of Unmanned Systems Technology in India. The company was registered in Nov 2014. Since then the company has been providing cutting edge high-quality aerospace systems to the paramilitary, commercial, aerospace and defence sectors with expertise in Unmanned Systems technology. Apart from its flagship product, the Johnnette JF-2, the company also manufactures low-cost loitering munitions (Kamikaze drones) and has plans to manufacture Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) in the future.
For more information please visit, www.johnnette.com
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Indian cricketing star Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who popularized the ‘helicopter shot’ has launched a quadcopter consumer camera drone named ‘Droni‘. The made-in-India camera drone with advanced features is manufactured by Garuda Aerospace, of which MS Dhoni is the Brand Ambassador.
Garuda Aerospace has created a niche for itself by offering drone solutions for agricultural pesticide spraying, solar panel cleaning, industrial pipeline inspections, mapping, surveying, public announcements, and delivery services and has now ventured into the consumer drone market with the latest offering – ‘Droni’. According to the company’s founder and CEO, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, the product will be available in the market by the end of 2022.
The event in Chennai also witnessed the launch of a new ‘Kisan Drone’ that is aimed at the agriculture sector, particularly in spraying applications. This battery-powered drone is capable of carrying out agricultural pesticide spraying over a land area of 30 acres per day.
Speaking at the event, Dhoni recalled that he had taken keen interest in agriculture during the COVID-19 lockdown. He emphasized on the role of drones for agriculturalists.
Speaking at the launch, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO, Garuda Aerospace, said, “Garuda Aerospace is focussed on creating high impact solutions for numerous purposes. Our Droni drone is indigenous and can be used for different surveillance purposes. It is efficient, seamless and high quality from a tech and build standpoint. By providing Make in India drones, we hope to not just become aatmanirbhar for demand of drones but also place India on the global map as a hub for superior quality, safe and secure drone and drone based solutions.”
President of Indian Drone Association and Former Wing Commander in the Indian Airforce, Anand Kumar Das said, “I am extremely delighted to serve on a platform where industry stakeholders connect to gain insights about the drone industry and happy to organize the Global Drone Expo with Garuda Aerospace. This platform will play a significant role in promoting the drone industry and foster growth.”
The Global Drone Expo witnessed 1500+ participants from 14 international drone companies and representatives over 28 states and union territories which attracted investors, youth and stakeholders and outlined a path forward for the drone industry. Industry experts, farmers, dealers, distributors, people from banking and insurance sectors, education-financial institutions, government representatives, pilots and various investors were provided a platform to gain insights about the drone culture and the various possibilities associated with the use of drones.
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