According to Drone Federation of India President Smit Shah, India’s drone sector revenue has climbed from about ₹60 crore in 2021 to roughly ₹3,000–4,000 crore in 2025. He credits Make in India, the Drone Rules 2021, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes and restrictions on imported drones.
Industry bodies also report that more than 600 drone-related companies now take part in the ecosystem, building drones for agriculture, mapping, surveillance, logistics, industrial inspection and defence. Looking ahead, the federation believes the sector could grow into a ₹19,000–20,000 crore industry as adoption spreads across agriculture, logistics, infrastructure, public services and defence.
These are industry estimates rather than audited government figures, but the direction is clear: demand for drones, and for people who can fly and maintain them legally, is rising.
What it means for RPTOs and pilots: A larger market means more employers, more service contracts and more demand for DGCA-certified remote pilots.
Source: Indian Masterminds, 26 Sep 2026 (statement by DFI President).
