Chennai: The Ministry of Defence has granted approval to set up a Rs 50 crore testing facility for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). It will be the country’s first-ever defence UAV testing centre under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS) and will be established on five acres of land at Vallam Vadagal in Kancheepuram district.
The approval by the Ministry of Defence came after a bid was submitted by Keltron-led consortium in collaboration with Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO). The establishment of the UAV testing centre in Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor marks a historic milestone for the state and the entire nation, said official sources.
“The UAV testing centre stands as a testament to India’s commitment to fostering cutting-edge technologies. It will serve as a beacon of progress, attracting investments, spurring job opportunities, and elevating India’s status as a hub for drone technology research and development,” the official source said.
At a time when the drone industry is witnessing unprecedented growth with a projected annual growth rate of 22% and an estimated market value of Rs 28,000 crore by 2025, the need for a UAV testing centre was very much need as drones have become crucial tools in various fields.
According to a media report, Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) has played a crucial role in supporting and facilitating the realisation of this transformative project. The testing centre is poised to foster indigenous innovation and research in the drone sector with the backing of a consortium led by Keltron and supported by expert partners SenseImage, STIC, and Avishka Retailers.
The integrated testing complex at Vallam Vadagal also targets electromagnetic compatibility or electromagnetic interference (EMI/EMC) testing apart from electronics optics, electronic warfare and RF antenna. This testing is a critical step in the design and manufacturing processes of electronic devices. With the presence of many electronics manufacturing and design-focused industries, sources said Tamil Nadu has huge potential for the EMI/EMC and communication testing labs.
The DTIS, initiated by the Ministry of Defence, aims to bolster indigenous capabilities and self-reliance in the defence sector. The approval to establish the UAV Testing Centre showcases the government’s commitment to supporting domestic research, development, and manufacturing of drones, thus reducing dependence on foreign testing facilities and bolstering India’s position as a global player in UAV technology, added sources.
At present, UAVs are used in a wide range of military operations – Target acquisition, Intelligence gathering, Precision strikes, Force protection, Surveillance and reconnaissance, Search and rescue, Combat operations,
Anti-Drone Operations, Training and simulation and Logistics & supply.
