DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations Limited has received the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) authorized Type Certification for its advanced multipurpose drone named AgriVeer. This certification functions as a regulatory license that enables the commercial use of the drones across India.
This certification confirms that the drone meets established safety, performance, and operational standards, paving the way for its legal use in various commercial applications. However, while it grants permission for broad commercial dispersion, the company must continue adhering to ongoing regulatory requirements and safety norms.
“With this approval, DroneAcharya is now authorized to commercially launch the drone across India, unlocking vast opportunities in key industries such as agriculture, education, and RPTO training,” the company stated in a regulatory filing.
The company also highlighted that the drone model has AI-powered capabilities.
86% of India’s Air Space Available To Drones
In the recent parliament session, the Ministry of Civil Aviation stated that till September 2024, India has registered a total of 10,208 type-certified commercial drones on the Digital Sky Platform—a centralised platform for drone regulation and operation in India.
The response also stated that about 86% of India’s airspace falls under the green zone, allowing drone operations without prior approval. Indian airspace for drone operations consists of three zones:
- Red Zone: No-fly areas; require Central Government approval.
- Yellow Zone: Controlled airspace; ATC permission needed.
- Green Zone: Uncontrolled airspace; no prior approval required.
The DGCA has also granted 96 type certificates for different Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) models, classified by purpose as follows:
- Agriculture: 65 models
- Logistics and Surveillance: 31 models
Ambiguity around categories of drones
However, according to Drone Rules, 2021, regulators do not explicitly define terms like “logistics drone” and “surveillance drone.” Instead, they categorise drones based on weight and intended use.
A small-category drone (weighing less than three kg) can serve multiple purposes, such as delivery under logistics or surveillance based on its configuration. For instance, the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh, under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), developed a drone to monitor COVID-19 hotspots and containment zones. Equipped with features like a public announcement system, real-time video streaming, AI-based decision-making, and autonomous return-to-home functionality, this drone demonstrates how modifications can convert a logistics tool into a surveillance device.
DroneAcharya’s “multipurpose” drone likely follows a similar principle, where a single drone model can serve various functions based on its configuration. Simply put, the hardware remains consistent, but functionality shifts based on software and modular attachments.
Merger with AVPL
Last month, DroneAcharya also signed a term sheet for a merger with AVPL International (AITMC Ventures Ltd). While the financial details remain undisclosed, the deal focuses on combining DroneAcharya’s research and development capabilities with AVPL’s infrastructure and workforce training resources to expand operations in India’s drone sector.
In other news
In other drone-related news, Apollo Hospitals has partnered with drone logistics startup TechEagle to launch what they claim is India’s first “10-Minute Diagnostic Drone Delivery (D3) service.” The initiative aims to transport liquid biopsy samples from collection centers to diagnostic labs in 10 minutes, promising to speed up medical diagnostics.
TechEagle stated that the drones will be fully autonomous and AI-driven, requiring no human intervention. However, questions around real-world reliability, regulatory approvals, and scalability remain.
Why it matters?
Reports suggest that India may serve as a launch pad for Amazon’s drone trials in Mumbai and Bangalore, but regulatory ambiguity remains—especially in distinguishing logistics and surveillance drones.
In a similar vein, globally, tech companies are aiming to push drone technology, with Amazon expanding its Prime Air service after FAA approval to fly drones beyond the visual line of sight.
DroneAcharya’s recent certification for its multipurpose drone, AgriVeer, highlights a key issue: a single drone model can serve multiple functions through modular attachments and software changes, making classification complex.
With 86% of India’s airspace in the Green Zone, drone operations are expanding. However, as drones become multifunctional, clear regulatory definitions are needed to address oversight, security, and privacy.
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