India’s Drone Industry Turns to Localising Critical UAV Components

India makes and assembles many drones, but some important parts still come from other countries.

These parts include systems that help drones fly, navigate, communicate and see.

Companies such as Paras Defence and AKSI Aerospace Group say India needs to make more of these important systems itself.

This would give India greater control over upgrades, repairs, cybersecurity and future use of military drones.

Replacing foreign parts can be difficult because domestic companies may produce fewer units and face higher costs.

They also need to pass demanding tests before the military accepts their products.

The article says companies making parts could supply several drone makers instead of selling only complete drones.

Such suppliers may earn repeat business after their systems are approved.

However, the article says India may need to localise the most sensitive technologies first rather than eliminate every import immediately.