India’s first common testing centre for drones to be set up in Tamil Nadu

As per a statement, the test centre would enable Tamil Nadu to be a significant contributor to the country’s self-reliance in the aerospace and defence sector.

According to officials, Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) is the nodal agency for implementing the Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor (TNDIC). As part of implementing the TNDIC, the state government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy. One of them is the creation of an enabling ecosystem, including common testing centres for the aerospace and defence industry, the statement said.

It noted that the absence of test centres supporting the aerospace and defence standards outside defence public sector undertakings or Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is an entry barrier for many organisations. TIDCO planned to lower this barrier by establishing test centres for multiple sub-domains, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS), it added.

A consortium of companies, such as Keltron, Sense Image Technologies, Standards Testing and Compliance and Avishka Retailers, had been chosen based on their response to the transparent bid process to partner with TIDCO for establishing the facility, the statement said.

“The testing for UAS (drone) is currently done component-wise at different test centres which reduces the efficiencies of the organisations and also increases the cost. Such an integrated facility is available only with DRDO at Chitradurga, Karnataka, for its own use,” it added.

Industries Minister T R B Rajaa noted that setting up the drone common testing centre showcases Chief Minister M K Stalin’s commitment towards building a thriving defence and aerospace manufacturing ecosystem in the state.

“We are attracting investors in this sector by addressing the needs of the industry innovatively. This testing centre will enable Tamil Nadu to become a preferred destination for Aerospace and Defence companies to set up their Indian operations. Many other suggestions were received at a recent roundtable with aerospace and defence manufacturing sector representatives. We are committed to taking necessary action and positive outcomes will be seen soon,” said Rajaa.