Reports in March 2026 said the government is preparing Mission Drone Shakti, a five-year scheme expected to begin from FY27, subject to approvals. Its focus is local production of critical drone components such as propellers, motors and airframes, along with research and development support and sales-linked incentives.
The scheme is designed as a step up from PLI 1.0 and to give manufacturers longer-term policy certainty. The principal scientific adviser said in January 2026 that the mission would reward companies for making components rather than assembling drones from imported parts. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has also called for a mission-mode effort to make India a global hub for indigenous drone manufacturing.
Reported outlay figures differ: one report cites about ₹1,800 crore, while Budget discussions mentioned a ₹10,000 crore proposal that could include a 10–15 per cent capital subsidy for factories. The final figures will depend on the Cabinet decision.
What it means for RPTOs and pilots: New factories will need avionics engineers, technicians and certified pilots for testing and certification flights.
Sources: Electronics For You (18 Mar 2026); Deccan Herald; Kodainya (Jul 2026); Indrastra (Sep 2026).
