The drone industry in India has taken off in a big way. From farming and surveillance to filmmaking and infrastructure, drones are becoming essential tools across many sectors. And with the Indian government pushing for self-reliance in technology, there’s been a sharp rise in homegrown drone manufacturers entering the spotlight.
But with so many companies out there, a common question arises:
“Who actually makes the best drones in India?”
This guide breaks it all down. Whether you’re a farmer looking for crop monitoring solutions, a business investing in industrial-grade drones, or just someone exploring aerial videography understanding the top drone manufacturers in India will help you make smarter choices.
We’ll cover:
- India’s leading drone-making companies and what makes each one unique
- How they compare with global brands like DJI, Autel, Parrot, and others
- What to look for before buying a drone
- And why sellers like Jetayu Gadgets are helping bridge the gap by offering drones from both Indian and international brands
Let’s dive in.
Top Drone Manufacturing Companies in India (2025)
If you’re wondering where your next drone might come from, it’s worth knowing that India is home to several impressive drone manufacturers. Many are working on solutions specifically designed for Indian terrain, industries, and weather conditions. Here’s a quick look at the top companies shaping the future of drones in India.
1. IdeaForge Technology Ltd.
- One of the most recognized Indian drone makers.
- Supplies drones to the Indian Army, disaster response teams, and state police forces.
- Their drones are known for ruggedness, endurance, and real-time intelligence gathering.
- Models like Switch and NETRA V4 are used for surveillance and defense.
- For someone comparing Indian UAVs vs. global giants like DJI, IdeaForge offers strong reliability for enterprise needs.
- Fun fact: This brand has been featured in many “Make in India” defense tech showcases.
2. Garuda Aerospace
- A rising name in drone-based solutions for agriculture, infrastructure, and inspection.
- Known for customizing drones for use cases like pesticide spraying, solar panel cleaning, and industrial mapping.
- Their agri-drones are a direct response to India’s labor crisis in farming, providing automation at scale.
- If you’re researching drone use in agriculture, you’ve probably already seen their name come up.
3. Aarav Unmanned Systems (AUS)
- Based in Bangalore, AUS builds surveying drones for mining, construction, and mapping.
- Their drones are heavily used in government projects like Digital India land record surveys.
- AUS drones help where accuracy, 3D mapping, and scale matter more than cinematics.
- Want to know why builders trust drones over ground teams for site surveys? AUS is a big reason behind that shift.
4. Marut Drones
- Hyderabad-based, focused on agriculture and healthcare delivery.
- Developed India’s first vaccine delivery drone, aimed at solving last-mile medical logistics.
- Their drones have also been used for blood delivery, crop spraying, and anti-locust operations.
- This brand proves that drones can be heroes during floods, healthcare emergencies, and even green revival missions.
5. Throttle Aerospace Systems (TAS)
- Bengaluru-based TAS makes surveillance and logistics drones.
- They’ve worked with the Indian Army and logistics firms to develop drone delivery systems.
- TAS is also behind India’s certified drone delivery trials a major step toward autonomous logistics in rural areas.
6. TechEagle Innovations
- Known for their high-end delivery drones.
- Partnered with Indian states to deliver essentials across remote terrains.
- If you’re planning to buy an aircraft drone for serious payloads and want to know what works in Indian skies, this brand is worth a look.
7. Sagar Defence Engineering
- Specializes in maritime drones.
- Offers unmanned surface and aerial drones for the Indian Navy.
- Though more defense-focused, it’s a reminder of how versatile drone technology is becoming in India.
8. Sky Tech Tools (Bonus Mention)
- This company made headlines for planning a 5,500-drone light show in Amaravati.
- More into entertainment tech than commercial drones, but they show how far Indian drone engineering has come.
Indian Drones vs Global Brands: What’s the Real Difference?
So, you’re thinking of buying a drone. Should you go for a Made in India model or one from a global giant like DJI or Autel?
Here’s a side-by-side breakdown that helps you make sense of what each has to offer especially if you’re trying to balance price, purpose, and performance.
1. Indian Drones: Built for Function, Compliance, and Tough Conditions
- Use-Case Specific
Most Indian brands like Garuda Aerospace or AUS build drones for agriculture, construction, land surveys, or defense. They’re engineered to handle tough weather and rural terrains. - Government-Aligned
Indian-made drones usually follow DGCA norms, and many are made for government use. If you’re part of an institution or enterprise with regulatory checks, local drones might tick that box. - Not Always Beginner-Friendly
These aren’t always designed for new users or creators. You won’t find fun features like follow-me mode or obstacle avoidance in many of them. - Example: If you’re running a farm, a Garuda drone could help solve your labor shortage problem with automated spraying. But if you’re vlogging your solo trip to Ladakh, it might not be the best fit.
2. Global Brands Like DJI, Autel, and Parrot: Feature-Rich, Plug-and-Play
- User Experience First
Brands like DJI make drones that are beginner-friendly, smart, and stable in flight. If you’re nervous about crashing your first drone, DJI’s built-in safety features are a huge relief. - Camera & Content Quality
Want to vlog, shoot cinematic footage, or surprise your photographer partner with a gift? Global brands give you better cameras, gimbals, and smart shooting modes. - Portability
Models like the DJI Mini 4 Pro or the DJI Mini 3 are lightweight, foldable, and legal to fly without a license in many cases. This is ideal for travelers and solo creators. - Example: Planning to start your content creator journey? DJI Mini 4 Pro is often called the easiest drone to fall in love with. It’s light, powerful, and feels made just for beginners.
Comparison Table: Indian vs Global Drone Brands
What to Consider Before Buying a Drone in India
Buying a drone isn’t just about picking the most popular model or the one with the best camera. In India, there are a few important things you need to think about before making your purchase. Whether you’re buying it for work, travel, or content creation, this checklist will help you make a confident decision.
1. Understand the Drone Weight Categories
- Drones in India are classified based on weight.
- If your drone weighs under 250 grams, like the DJI Mini 4 Pro or Mini 3, you don’t need a license to fly it for personal use.
- Drones over this weight fall into categories that may require registration, UIN (Unique Identification Number), and sometimes even remote pilot certification.
- This is why drone weight decides what rules you follow and it could affect your buying decision.
2. Check if You Need a DGCA License
- If you’re buying a drone for business or industrial use, you’ll likely need a license from DGCA.
- Personal and recreational use with ultra-light drones is more relaxed, but rules can vary by state or airspace.
- Not sure where you can fly? Always check the No Permission, No Takeoff (NPNT) app before flying.
- We’ve broken this down further in our blog: Can I Fly My Drone Freely or Do I Need a License?
3. Consider What You’ll Use the Drone For
- Are you a solo traveler who wants to vlog their road trip?
- Or are you in construction, agriculture, or surveillance?
- For creators, a drone like the DJI Mini 4 Pro offers intelligent flight modes, 4K video, and lightweight design. It’s made for ease of use and powerful footage.
- For surveyors and professionals, Indian drones like AUS or IdeaForge models offer precision and endurance.
Thinking of gifting a drone to someone who’s into photography or filmmaking?
They’ll appreciate something stable, cinematic, and smart especially if it has obstacle sensors and quick shots. It’s a creative gift that’s hard to beat.
4. Brand and Warranty Support
- Brands like DJI and Autel have global reputations and strong software support.
- Indian brands might have better on-ground servicing and may comply more easily with government procurement norms.
- Jetayu Gadgets helps you choose between the two by offering verified models from both Indian and international brands all in one place.
5. Is It Refurbished or Brand New?
- Buying from unknown sellers can lead to issues like refurbished units being sold as new.
- Always verify the drone using the manufacturer’s app. Check activation dates, serial numbers, and warranty status.
- We explain more in our guide: Bought a Drone Recently? Here’s How to Verify If It’s Not Refurbished
6. Extra Accessories: Are Combos Worth It?
- The DJI Fly More Combo often includes two extra batteries, a charging hub, spare propellers, and a carrying case.
- In 2025, it continues to be a smart choice for those who travel often or shoot long content.
- Instead of buying accessories separately, getting the combo upfront usually saves time and money.
7. Local Import Rules and Travel Questions
- Wondering if you can import a drone from China? You’ll need to go through customs clearance and ensure the drone meets Indian wireless standards.
- Planning to carry a drone into India on a flight? You can, but airlines may ask you to carry batteries in hand luggage.
- Always pack drones carefully and check airline regulations in advance.
Best Drones You Can Buy in 2025 from Indian and Global Makers
Now that you understand the drone categories, rules, and how to pick based on your needs, here’s a handpicked list of the top drones you can actually buy in India this year. We’ve included options from both Indian manufacturers and international brands. Whether you’re a creator, a business, or just curious about flying, there’s something here for everyone.
All these drones are available through trusted sellers like Jetayu Gadgets, so you don’t have to worry about authenticity or after-sales support.
1. DJI Mini 4 Pro
- Ideal for: First-time flyers, content creators, and travelers
- Camera: 4K/60fps with HDR
- Weight: < 250g (no license needed)
- Features: Obstacle sensing in all directions, Return-to-Home, QuickShots
- Why it’s great: This drone makes flying fun, safe, and cinematic. Beginners often say they fall in love with flying on their first day.
- Related read: Buying a Drone for the First Time? The DJI Mini 4 Pro Makes It Easy to Fall in Love with Flying
2. DJI Mini 3
- Ideal for: Budget-conscious users
- Camera: 4K video, vertical shooting
- Weight: < 250g
- Why choose it over Mini 4 Pro? It’s simpler but still powerful. If you’re comparing, we’ve broken it down in detail in our blog: DJI Mini 3 vs. Mini 4 Pro — Which Combo Is Right for You?
3. Garuda Kisan Drone
- Ideal for: Farmers and agri-businesses
- Purpose: Pesticide spraying, field monitoring
- Highlights: Made in India, customizable payloads
- This drone is changing the way agriculture works by tackling the labour shortage in rural India.
4. IdeaForge NETRA V4
- Ideal for: Government use, surveillance, and defense
- Range: 5–10 km with real-time video
- Flight time: Up to 90 minutes
- Why it matters: This is the kind of drone trusted by Indian forces and disaster teams. Built for performance under pressure.
5. Autel EVO Lite+
- Ideal for: Filmmakers and professionals
- Camera: 6K video, 1-inch CMOS sensor
- Battery life: Around 40 minutes
- Why it’s trending: It’s a direct competitor to DJI, but offers longer flight time and great color accuracy.
6. Aarav AUS Survey Drone
- Ideal for: Builders, surveyors, mining operators
- Use: High-accuracy mapping and land surveys
- Why pros choose it: It delivers detailed geospatial data with minimal ground control points.
- Related read: Why Builders Now Trust Drones More Than Ground Teams for Site Surveys
7. Skydio 2+
- Ideal for: Advanced autonomous flying and obstacle avoidance
- Key feature: AI-powered tracking and pathfinding
- Great for: Solo adventurers or action content creators
- Related blog: Vlogging Your Solo Adventure? Here’s What Only a Drone Can Film
8. Enzo Quad Pro
- Ideal for: Entry-level industrial use
- Specs: Mid-range camera, stable flight control
- Affordable: Yes, and offers great value for new drone businesses
