Challenges in Drone Certification in India -"Atma Nirbhar" or "Aayaat (Import) Nirbhar"

India's goal to establish itself as a self-sufficient global drone hub by 2030 encounters notable certification challenges, such as issues with the Digital Sky portal, high expenses, and unclear policies for UAS over 500 kg.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) manages the certification process, but existing policies restrict the advancement of domestic drone technology.

Certification Challenges

The certification process is obstructed by uncertainties in the CSUAS policy, high rejection rates, and a lack of standardized testing procedures.

The Digital Sky portal, overseen by the DGCA, is designed to streamline UAS management in India but is plagued by several issues. Despite offering insights into UAS operations, manufacturing, training, and certification, it struggles with a low type certification rate, with only 55 out of 21,206 UINs type certified, highlighting certification challenges. Implementation inconsistencies of the Drone Rules, 2021, create confusion and inefficiencies. The portal lists 646 non-type certified UAS, many imported from countries like China, lacking clear inclusion criteria and performance details, raising misuse concerns. Additionally, there are significant gaps in registering non-type certified UAS, with foreign drones present despite import bans. The portal also inconsistently reports drone operation exemptions, dropping from 59 in 2021 to two in 2022.

Missing Exemption Details: The portal has inconsistently reported exemptions for drone operations, with a notable drop in reported exemptions from 59 in 2021 to only two in 2022

The lack of explicit guidelines for UAS over 500 kg limits innovation in larger drone applications.

"Aayaat" Nirbhar Vs 'Atma' Nirbhar School of Thoughts

India's drone industry heavily relies on imported components, undermining the goal of atma nirbharta.

And it is normal and having no problem in the initial phase of industrial growth in drone Industry. Challenge starts if the impacts start happening to players in the Early majority stages of R&D and Manufacturing.

As per technology adoption curve shown below concurring the above statement :

If we see the adversity built over in Ukraine during War which has now created a drone Training and Assembling facility in every college and educational institution. I don't say we have rage a war for innovation - but when adversity hit as far as to level of saving one's own country - the tech learning and implementation curve see a deep curve of implementation and it strengthens the countries growth.

There is no comprehensive policy for indigenous design and development, which is crucial for building a competitive drone industry .

The lack of R&D initiatives and technology ownership hampers the growth of indigenous capabilities.

Recommendations for Improvement

Post 2021 Drone rules 2021 - the efforts taken to make the drone manufacturing companies and drone R&D companies were not give a path way due to the engagement handled by DGCA on Manned and Unmanned aircraft both.

Hence they should be a plan to form a new team - independent body - under JARUS to take care of the unmanned initiative under DGCA which should decide the BVLOS operations and planning , UTMS and Atma nirbhar companies basic training necessities.

Structural reforms in the MoCA and DGCA are essential to streamline certification processes and support indigenous development.

Establishing a clear Atma Nirbharta policy and enhancing R&D initiatives will be vital for achieving India's drone hub aspiration.

Implementing standards for drone components and creating a transparent procurement process for indigenous products can foster a more robust domestic industry.