NEW DRONE INCENTIVES TO BOOST DOMESTIC MANUFACTURING (2025)

PRELIMS BITS

The Government of India is launching a new Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to foster a self-sustaining drone ecosystem with an allocation of ₹500 crore. This follows an earlier PLI scheme with ₹120 crore for drone manufacturing (2021-2022).

• PLI Scheme Goals: Encourage local manufacturing, reduce reliance on imports (50-60% of drone parts), and support services like drone leasing and software development.
• Objectives: Increase localization to 30% of drone component production domestically.
• Focus Areas:
  • Drone manufacturing and components.
  • Drone leasing services.
  • Software development for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
  • Anti-drone technologies for enhanced security.
• Impact: The scheme aims to boost India’s drone industry, attract investment, and promote innovation in agriculture, infrastructure, and surveillance sectors.
• Future Prospects: Expected to position India as a competitive player in the global drone market by encouraging high-value manufacturing and self-reliance.