In a bold move to capture a growing global market Telangana has announced plans to establish a dedicated Drone Manufacturing and Testing Corridor. The initiative is a key part of the state’s strategy to position itself as the “Defence Strategic Hub of India,” focusing on indigenous unmanned systems and advanced aerospace technology.
State Minister for IT and Industries Duddilla Sridhar Babu unveiled the vision, emphasizing that drones, satellites, and AI are now central to modern warfare. “Achieving self-reliance in drone manufacturing is crucial for national security,” he stated, highlighting the project’s strategic importance.
A Growing Market Meets Strategic Vision
The push comes at a pivotal time. India’s domestic defence UAV and drone market is projected to soar to $4.4–5 billion by 2030. Telangana aims to leverage this explosive growth by building a world-class ecosystem for innovation and production, attracting global players and fostering homegrown talent.
JSW Defence Facility Lays the Foundation
The announcement was made at the Bhoomi Pooja ceremony for the new JSW Defence UAV facility in Hyderabad’s Electronic Manufacturing Cluster (EMC), Maheshwaram. This facility, a joint venture with US-based Shield AI, represents an ₹850 crore investment.
Key details of the JSW project include:
- Scale: A 16-acre campus set to produce up to 300 VBAT drones annually.
- Scope: Integrated manufacturing, repair, and testing capabilities.
- Impact: Expected to generate approximately 300 skilled jobs and begin operations by the end of 2025.
Building on a Strong Foundation
Telangana is not starting from scratch. Hyderabad already hosts major global defence firms like Elbit Systems and Schiebel, providing a strong industrial base. The new Drone Corridor and facilities like the JSW plant are designed to amplify this cluster effect, creating a synergistic hub for research, development and manufacturing.
By combining strategic policy, significant investment and existing expertise, Telangana is making a concerted play to become the nation’s foremost destination for next-generation defence technology.