Exemption: R&D
Government-recognised R&D entities and educational institutions may import with a DGFT import authorisation.
Indian drone industry
Made in India drones: the policy and the buyer's checklist.
By the NVX engineering team, New Delhi
Since February 2022, India has prohibited the import of complete foreign drones for most buyers, while allowing drone components to be imported freely. Together with a production-linked incentive scheme and simpler rules, this has pushed buyers towards Indian made drones. Here is what changed and what to check before buying.
The drone import ban
DGFT Notification No. 54/2015-2020, dated 9 February 2022, prohibited the import of drones in completely built (CBU), semi knocked down (SKD) or completely knocked down (CKD) form.
Exemption: defence and security
Imports for defence and security purposes are allowed with an import authorisation.
Components are free to import
Parts such as sensors and electronics can be imported without a licence, helping Indian manufacturing.
What it means for you
For most civil buyers, a new drone bought in India today should be made or assembled in India by a domestic manufacturer.
PLI scheme for drones and drone components
The Production Linked Incentive scheme for drones and drone components was notified on 30 September 2021 with INR 120 crore spread over three financial years from 2021-22.
Incentive rate
20% of value addition, held constant for all three years.
Minimum value addition
40% of net sales, lower than the 50% used in many other PLI schemes.
Wide coverage
Airframes, propulsion, power systems, flight control, ground control, communications, cameras, sensors and spraying systems, among others.
Beneficiaries
PIB announced a provisional list of 23 beneficiaries in July 2022: 12 drone makers and 11 component makers.
What to check before buying an Indian drone
Made in India is a good start. These checks protect your investment.
UIN process
Ask how the drone will be registered and the Unique Identification Number generated.
Type certificate where applicable
For drones that need one, ask for the type certificate details. Nano drones and model drones for research or recreation are exempt.
Service and spares
Where repairs are done, how long spares take and whether on-site support is available.
Training
Whether operator training is included, and whether your pilots also need a Remote Pilot Certificate.
Data handling
Where flight data and imagery are stored and who can access them.
Honest specifications
Flight time and range figures should state test conditions.
NVX: drones designed and built in India
NVX (TROUGON UAV TECHNOLOGIES PRIVATE LIMITED, New Delhi) designs and builds Indian made drones: Saksham for enterprise work, Titli the bionic butterfly drone, BAAZ a configurable UAV and Rocket 01, a VTOL tail-sitter platform in development. NVX also repairs drones and offers on-site training and demonstrations.
FAQ
Made in India Drones: common questions
Can I import a foreign drone into India?
Import of complete drones has been prohibited since 9 February 2022, with exemptions for R&D, defence and security purposes that need a DGFT import authorisation. Drone components can be imported freely.
Why buy an Indian made drone?
Easier availability under the import policy, local service and spares, and suppliers who understand Indian rules and conditions.
What is the PLI scheme for drones?
A production-linked incentive of INR 120 crore over three years from 2021-22, paying 20% of value addition to eligible Indian drone and component makers.
Does every drone need a type certificate?
Drones operated in India must conform to a valid type certificate, except categories the rules exempt, such as nano drones and model drones for research or recreation.
Are NVX drones made in India?
Yes. NVX designs and builds its drones in India.
Has GST on drones changed?
Yes. From 22 September 2025 GST on drones is a uniform 5%.
Talk to NVX
Questions about drones? Ask the team that builds them.
Call +91 95609 21619, message us on WhatsApp, or visit us in Connaught Place, New Delhi.
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