Drone industry needs deeper localisation as import dependence poses risks: DFI

Bharat Drone Stack Conference 2026 Bengaluru India’s rapidly expanding drone industry faces a critical challenge in reducing its dependence on imported components, even as domestic manufacturers make progress in drone assembly, certification and defence orders, according to the Drone Federation India (DFI), a not-for-profit, industry-led body representing India’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), drone and counter-drone ecosystem.

“The dependence on foreign-made motors, batteries, flight controllers, communication systems and rare earth magnets leaves the sector vulnerable to supply disruptions and export restrictions,” said Smit Shah, president of DFI.