Thales and Garuda Aerospace Sign MoU for Secure Drone Operations in India

Bengaluru - Thales, a global aerospace and defense leader, has partnered with Garuda Aerospace to advance the drone sector in India through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement, effective August 2024, aims to foster innovation and growth within the drone ecosystem by combining Thales’ expertise in Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) solutions with Garuda’s proficiency in UAV manufacturing and the Indian market.

The MoU outlines a strategic collaboration where Thales will contribute its extensive knowledge in UTM systems, UAV detection technologies, and system integration. Garuda Aerospace, established in 2015, brings its significant experience in UAV production and application within the Indian context, along with its extensive fleet and operational capabilities.

Ashish Saraf, VP and Country Director of Thales in India, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting its alignment with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision. Saraf noted, “The government is laying a robust foundation for the drone ecosystem. We are excited to collaborate with Garuda Aerospace to leverage our global expertise and support India in becoming a major global hub for drones by 2030.”

Garuda Aerospace, known for its leadership in the Indian drone sector, operates a fleet of over 2500 drones and employs 4000 pilots across 400 districts. The company’s founder and CEO, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, emphasized the potential impact of the partnership. “We are thrilled to join forces with Thales to drive technological innovations and revolutionize the drone sector in India. With Thales’ advanced UTM technology and our extensive drone fleet, we are poised to play a crucial role in transforming India into a global drone powerhouse.”

The collaboration will focus on enhancing drone operations and safety through advanced UTM systems and creating a more robust infrastructure for drone applications in India. This strategic partnership is set to contribute significantly to the development of the drone industry, ensuring secure and innovative solutions for various applications.

Thales is a global leader in advanced technologies specializing in Defense & Security, Aerospace & Space, and Cybersecurity & Digital Identity. The company invests nearly €4 billion annually in research and development and employs approximately 81,000 people in 68 countries. Thales is committed to delivering products and solutions that contribute to a safer and more inclusive world.

Garuda Aerospace is India’s leading drone tech start-up, focusing on precision agriculture and Industry 4.0 solutions. With a fleet of over 2500 drones and 4000 pilots, Garuda provides advanced UAV solutions and services across various sectors. The company has partnered with global giants and is dedicated to impacting 1 billion lives positively through affordable drone technology.