India Drones Market

India Drones Market Size and Share:

The India drones market size was valued at USD 1,210.0 Million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 2,578.0 Million by 2033, exhibiting a (CAGR) of 8.80% from 2025-2033. The India drones market is driven by increasing product adoption across sectors such as agriculture, defense, logistics, and infrastructure. Government initiatives such as "Make in India" and relaxed drone regulations promote industry growth. Technological advancements, reduced costs, and demand for aerial surveillance and mapping services also contribute to the market expansion, fostering innovation and investment.

The  Government of India plays a pivotal role in driving the drones market through initiatives like "Make in India" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat," which encourage domestic drone manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports. Additionally, the government has eased regulations, allowing easier approvals for drone operations across industries. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced guidelines to standardize drone usage while ensuring safety, fostering innovation and boosting investor confidence. Recently, the Indian army announced that it has started using artificial intelligence (AI) in drones and satellite systems for surveillance, logistics, cybersecurity, and training. Hence, supportive policies and incentives have spurred growth in various sectors, such as agriculture, defense, and infrastructure, enhancing India’s position as a key player in the global drone industry.

Rapid technological advancements in drone design, navigation, and artificial intelligence (AI) are significantly driving the India drones market share. Innovations in lightweight materials, battery efficiency, and real-time data transmission have expanded drone applications, making them more accessible and cost-effective. AI integration allows for enhanced automation, precise mapping, and real-time analytics, which benefit industries like agriculture, surveillance, and logistics. As drone technology becomes more advanced, applications are diversifying, increasing demand across sectors such as disaster management, infrastructure inspection, and parcel delivery. For example, Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) shared its plans to use artificial intelligence (AI) and drones to monitor the safety of concrete structures like viaducts and pillars. These developments contribute to market growth by expanding the scope and capabilities of drones in India’s economy.

India Drones Market Trends:

Increasing drone adoption in agriculture

Increase in adoption of drones in agriculture sector is another trend driving the Indian drone market. Drones are increasingly being used by farmers for crop monitoring, pest control, irrigation management, and precision farming. As per the industry reports, farms in Telangana , Punjab, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu have been integrating drones to assist in several agricultural activities. This is because they can collect real-time data for farmers, allowing them to better optimize yields, reduce pesticide usage, and effectively manage resources. The focus of the Government of India on smart farming and affordable drone solutions further enhances their integration into the agricultural sector. Drones are going to become a vital tool for transforming India's agriculture practices with improving technology.

Rising demand for drones in infrastructure inspection

Infrastructure inspection is also increasingly becoming one of the prominent areas where drones are being used in construction, energy, and telecommunication sectors. Recent developments like that of NTPC Darlipali Thermal Power Station in Odisha, which announced its plans to use drones for pipeline inspection, are leading the gradual shift toward drone-based operations. The use of drones is increasing due to the need for infrastructure development and maintenance in India, especially in checking bridges, power lines, roads, and buildings. It has been a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional inspection methods in high-quality images, 3D models, and real-time data without expensive equipment or hazardous human labor. Further, the demand for drones in infrastructure inspection is likely to increase as India undertakes large-scale infrastructure projects and seeks innovative ways to enhance safety and reduce operational costs.

Expansion of drone delivery services

Drone-based delivery services are gaining traction in India, especially in urban and rural areas where logistics can be challenging. Companies in e-commerce and pharmaceuticals are exploring the use of drones to deliver products quickly and efficiently. For example, DTDC, an Indian courier and cargo delivery company, recently launched drone-based deliveries through a partnership with Skye Air Mobility. The technology reduces delivery times, costs, and requirements of human resources while increasing customer satisfaction. Drones are especially beneficial in accessing distant or difficult-to-reach locations where conventional delivery methods pose difficulties . As more regulatory frameworks come and drone technology improves, the use of drones for last-mile delivery is expected to swell, transforming the logistics and supply chains in India.

India Drones Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the India drones market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on type, component, payload, point of sale, and end use industry.

Analysis by Type:

• Fixed Wing
• Rotary Wing
• Hybrid

Fixed-wing drones lead the India drones market type segment, owing to their long endurance, higher speed, and ability to cover large areas, occupy a significant segment in the India drones market report compared to rotary-wing drones. Suitable applications for fixed-wing drones include large area agricultural monitoring, aerial surveying, and mapping. Due to their long hours spent in the air, fixed-wing drones perform efficiently in the context of applications requiring large coverage areas: infrastructure inspection, environment monitoring, and defense operations. Cost-effective and highly precise in hitting remote or large areas, their penetration into agricultural, defense, and surveying sectors is fostering the market growth.

Analysis by Component:

• Hardware
• Software
• Accessories

In India, the drone industry consists of many important hardware components; these include motors, controllers, sensors, GPS, and cameras. These components affect the performance, stability, and functionality of drones. As the applications of drones grow in agriculture, defense, and logistics, the demand for sophisticated hardware providing precision, durability, and efficacy is also growing. Changes in lightweight materials, battery technologies, and sensor capabilities are pushing the hardware sector. The hardware segment continues to further develop drone performance and application diversity in light of the rapid drones improvement.

The software segment deals with advanced flight control system development, data analysis tools, and real-time mapping solutions. Drone software ensures the smooth operation, navigation, and integration of data collected by drones. This software integrates applications across various industries, from agriculture to infrastructure to surveillance, enabling precision agriculture, asset management, and advanced analytics. As drones have become increasingly sophisticated, the software capabilities have been evolving with artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and automation, facilitating better data processing and enhanced decision-making processes. This segment plays a very important role in enhancing the functioning and efficiency of drones in various domains.

The accessories segment of the India drone market consists of the necessary add-ons, such as propellers, batteries, payloads, remote controllers, and charging systems. These accessories are the backbone on which the performance, efficiency, and versatilities of drones are built. For instance, high-capacity batteries can increase flying time, while specialized cameras and sensors can help significantly in data capture for surveying and inspection applications. With the growth in the deployment of drones across various industries, more specialized accessories designed for specific applications such as thermal imaging or LiDAR scanning are in demand. The accessories segment is probably most important in maximizing the usefulness and capabilities of drones.

Analysis by Payload:

• <25 Kilograms
• 25-170 Kilograms
• >170 Kilograms

The Indian drone market has been focused on N1 drones, which have a payload capacity of less than 25 kgs and play a pivotal role in agriculture, surveillance, and logistics. These drones are light, cost-effective, and versatile for carrying out varying tasks including crop monitoring, deliveries, and aerial photography. Their lesser payload capacity limits their application in heavy-duty work, but it is the same characteristic that enables very efficient maneuverability in small-scale operations. With more potential applications for commercial drones being developed, the segment below 25 kgs will continue to skyrocket owing to affordability and more advanced sensor and camera systems.

Another fast-emerging payload category of drones weighing 25 to 170 kilograms, caters to sectors requiring the transport of heavier payloads for use in infrastructure inspection, mapping, and defense applications. Drones operating in this weight category can carry various sophisticated equipment for LiDAR scanning, high-resolution cameras, and thermal sensors, rendering them useful for large-scale surveying, aerial photography, and military reconnaissance. On the other hand, the ability to transport highly significant deleterious payloads enables extended time-based data collection on an in-depth level, constituting great value for data-heavy applications focused on detail-gathering inspections and demanding missions. As demand for these applications increases, so will the growth for this payload segment.

Drones above 170 kilograms are employed in specific uses such as heavy lifting, defense, and facility logistics. These high-capacity drones can move oversized equipment or supplies to remote areas and can provide large-scale surveillance missions. This niche category in India includes the military, humanitarian emergencies, and industrial logistics as the key user sectors. The demand for heavy-lift drones might evolve due to technological and regulatory changes, the possible responsibilities being in infrastructure building, defense logistics, and large-scale transport projects, thereby further widening the market.

Analysis by Point of Sale:

• Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM)
• Aftermarket

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) dominate the point of sale segment. They play a major role in the Indian drone market, as they are the key point of sale for drone technology. OEMs design, manufacture, and assemble drones and also the major components that go into drones such as motors, sensors, and flight controllers. The manufacturers serve many industries such as agriculture, defense, infrastructure, and logistics. OEMs provide standard drones and custom solutions to give businesses the opportunity to work with emerging technologies. The demand for advanced, reliable, and economical drones is propelling OEMs to innovate and, thereby, stimulate market growth and drone adoption across various sectors in India.

Analysis by End Use Industry:

• Construction
• Agriculture
• Military and Defense
• Law Enforcement
• Logistics
• Media and Entertainment
• Others

The applications of drones in surveying, site inspection, and project management in India are immense in the construction industry. They supply real-time aerial images, 3D mapping, and topographic data, enhancing precision and efficiency in the construction sector. Drones monitor construction activity, material tracking, and evaluation of structural health. Drones provide easy access to remote locations, collecting high-accuracy data to combine construction workflows, reducing costs, and increasing safety. Thus, they are considered an important tool in the construction of both large-scale and small initiatives.

Drones have revolutionized agriculture industry in India, promoting precision farming and improved crop management. They help farmers monitor crop health, assess irrigation, and identify pests or diseases through multispectral imaging. Drones facilitate rapid flights across large agricultural areas, transferring real-time information to help optimize the use of inputs, improve yield estimation, and cut down on expenses. Their use for aerial surveys, fertilizer or pesticide spraying, and soil health monitoring has made a great contribution toward efficiency and sustainability in Indian agriculture, thereby fulfilling the demand for smart farming solutions.

Drones serve a vital purpose in India by providing surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence-gathering support in the military and defense industry . They help monitor border activities and assess enemy movements and conduct aerial surveillance without putting personnel at risk. Another major function of drones in defense is supporting strategic operations along with ground forces, with real-time data collection and accurate targeting for tactical missions. The Indian military has taken a serious note of indigenous as well as foreign drone technologies for security enhancement, making them irreplaceable in military strategies, border management, and disaster response.

Analysis by Region:

• North India
• West and Central India
• South India
• East India

North India, encompassing states like Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, is a key player in the drone market due to its strong presence in agriculture, defense, and infrastructure development. The region is witnessing growing adoption of drones for surveying, aerial photography, and precision farming. Government initiatives promoting smart cities, along with rapid urbanization, drive the demand for drones in logistics, surveillance, and delivery sectors. With tech hubs in cities like Delhi and Chandigarh, North India offers a favorable environment for drone market growth.

West and Central India, which includes Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, is a vibrant market for drones due to its emphasis on agriculture, industrial applications, and urban planning. Maharashtra, in particular, has seen significant growth in drone adoption for crop monitoring and infrastructure inspection. Drones are increasingly used in sectors like real estate, mining, and defense. Central India’s focus on infrastructure projects, such as roads and bridges, also contributes to a rising demand for drones. The region's innovation-driven approach further boosts the market potential.

South India, comprising states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala, has become a hub for drone innovation, with growing applications in agriculture, logistics, and surveillance. The region’s strong agricultural base makes it a key market for agricultural drones, particularly for crop monitoring, pesticide spraying, and irrigation management. Additionally, cities like Bangalore and Hyderabad foster a tech-driven environment, with drone startups and manufacturing facilities flourishing. The emphasis on infrastructure enhancement and smart city initiatives in the region also drives the expansion of drones in construction, surveying, and inspection activities.

Competitive Landscape:

Key players in the India drones market are taking significant efforts to drive growth by focusing on innovation, affordability, and expanding application areas. Companies are investing heavily in research and development to introduce advanced drone technologies that cater to diverse sectors such as agriculture, logistics, defense, and infrastructure. For example, several players are working on drones with enhanced payload capacity, longer flight durations, and advanced AI-driven capabilities to meet the specific needs of industries like surveying, monitoring, and delivery. Partnerships with the government to align with regulatory frameworks like the DGCA’s guidelines are also critical to ensuring the safe integration of drones into the national airspace. Moreover, initiatives like "Make in India" are encouraging domestic manufacturing, reducing dependence on imports, and lowering costs for end users. Key players are also collaborating with agricultural organizations and logistics companies to provide customized solutions, such as drone-based crop monitoring and parcel delivery services. To cater to the rapidly expanding market, companies are focusing on providing affordable and easily accessible drones for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), helping democratize drone technology.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the India drones market with detailed profiles of all major companies.

Latest News and Developments:

• In February 2025, ideaForge launched its next-gen UAVs at the Aero India 2025 exhibition. The company's demonstration of new UAV platforms showcase its dedication to strengthening India's defense independence and resolving operational issues that the military and industrial sectors face.
• In February 2025, Garuda Aerospace, a leading player in India's drone technology sector, launched the new MV 1000 AMARAN drone for India’s defense sector. This cutting-edge rocket launcher drone has the potential to greatly improve the country's defense capabilities and influence future security and humanitarian initiatives.
• On February 2025, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) announced that it is developing the CATS Warrior, which is an unmanned combat aircraft that has been designed to assist fighter pilots, conduct missions, and also act as a force multiplier for the Indian Air Force.

India Drones Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the India drones market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the India drones market.
• Porter's Five Forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the India drones industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.