India's Defence Drone Ecosystem Expands with Increased Manufacturing and Procurement
India's defence drone ecosystem is transitioning from pilot projects to large-scale manufacturing and operational deployment. The Indian government is pushing for indigenous defence production, aiming to make India a global hub for drone manufacturing. This initiative is part of a broader strategy for strategic autonomy and defence preparedness. The government has integrated 676 startups, MSMEs, and innovators into the iDEX ecosystem, with significant procurement clearances and contracts already in place. Companies like Gamma Rotors and ideaForge Technology are leading the charge, with substantial order books and operational deployments. Gamma Rotors, for instance, has expanded its manufacturing capacity and strengthened its supply chain to meet rising demand from the Indian Armed Forces. Meanwhile, ideaForge has entered the combat drone segment, reflecting the growing market and investor confidence in India's drone manufacturing capabilities. 
