Chennai: Zuppa Geo Navigation Technologies, an Indian defence drone technology company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tamil Nadu Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Corporation (TNUAVC) to develop a structured drone pilot training programme for Agniveers, serving defence personnel and personnel transitioning out of the armed forces.
The programme will be rolled out initially at Madras Regimental Centre, Wellington, Conoor, with the first phase expected to train One Thousand personnel annually / 200 personnel in the first batch. The training programme is expected to commence in October, 2026 and will comprise 4-week/month modules covering Mission UAV Flight Simulator, Rotorcraft operations and Aerodynamics, Hybrid operations and Aerodynamics, Drone equipment maintenance, Risk Assessments & Analysis-Safety Management, Basic Assembly, Practical UAV Flying, mission planning, and DGCA regulations.
Participants who meet the applicable requirements will be eligible for DGCA-approved/recognised certification – Small Category Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) for drones weighing more than 2 kg to 25 kg.
The partnership is part of Zuppa’s broader initiative to establish indigenous drone laboratories at Army Regimental Centres. Each laboratory will be equipped with Micro, Small category drones, Mission Simulators, Learning Management System with master instructor monitoring video screen and etc.. and is expected to provide [classroom instruction / simulator-based training / hands-on flying / maintenance, repair and operations training.
The initiative aims to create a structured pathway through which defence personnel can build practical UAV skills and explore opportunities within India’s growing drone and defence ecosystem. Train soldiers on proper use, maintenance and simple repairs at field/unit level. Transfer or Movement of soldiers doesn’t impact the operations. Quick repair and turnaround of drones, ensure they are rapidly redeployed. Sustain operations without relying on external support.
Commenting on the partnership, Sai Pattabiram, Founder and MD, Zuppa Geo Navigation Technologies, said, “Building India’s drone ecosystem requires both indigenous technology and a skilled workforce capable of operating and supporting these systems. As drones become increasingly integrated into defence, security and other sectors, the need for trained UAV professionals is only going to grow. Through our collaboration with TNUAVC, we aim to train and certify over 2,000 Agniveers and defence personnels over the next three years, creating a pool of skilled UAV professionals who can contribute to both defence applications and the wider commercial drone industry. Through our initiative to establish drone laboratories at Army Regimental Centres, we also want to bring practical drone training closer to the personnel who can benefit from it and create meaningful opportunities for them in this growing sector.”
TNUAVC spokesperson said, “This partnership with Zuppa shall strengthen our training capabilities with the armed forces and serve our nation.”
Venkatesh Sai, Founder and CTO, Zuppa Geo Navigation Technologies, said, “Drone operations require more than theoretical knowledge. Practical exposure, standardised training and hands-on experience are essential to building capable UAV professionals. The training programme will combine [classroom/theoretical learning] with 20 hours of hands-on flight training / simulator training / practical training], giving participants exposure to the operational aspects of UAVs. Our aim is to create a training pathway that equips participants with skills relevant to the evolving requirements of the UAV industry.”
Under the MoU, Zuppa will establish and set up an Indigenous Drone Lab including the necessary infrastructure, deploy single point of contact, Mission Simulator systems, LMS and training facilities, while TNUAVC will deploy qualified instructors to impart pilot training, conduct the DGCA-certified training in accordance with the applicable DGCA regulations, approvals, and certification requirements.
The two organisations will also jointly develop curriculum , conduct assessments, facilitate certification-enabling agniveers to develop the practical knowledge and technical skills required for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation and maintenance of drones.
The MoU brings together Zuppa’s expertise in drone technology and UAV operations with TNUAVC’s role in advancing unmanned aerial vehicle capabilities and training in Tamil Nadu. Together, the organisations aim to build a scalable drone training ecosystem that connects defence experience with emerging opportunities in India’s expanding UAV sector.
