Indian-French Partnership to Propel Advanced Drone Manufacturing in India

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In a significant move towards bolstering India’s self-reliance in aerospace and defense technology, RRP Defence, an Indian entity, has formally partnered with the French-American firm CYGR to establish a state-of-the-art drone manufacturing facility. Announced in mid-July 2025, this joint venture, with an initial investment of approximately $50 million, aims to produce advanced drone systems for tactical, surveillance, and industrial applications, directly aligning with India’s “Make in India” initiative. The facility will be located in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra.

This collaboration is set to address India’s growing demand for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) across various sectors, particularly defense and homeland security. The new plant will focus on manufacturing next-generation drones, including hand-launched fixed-wing drones for field deployment, compact nano drones for close-range and indoor surveillance, and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) drones. This strategic partnership leverages French-American technological expertise combined with India’s manufacturing capabilities.

Rajendra Chodankar, Chairman of RRP Defence Ltd., emphasized the significance of this venture. “This collaboration is a defining moment for India’s UAV ecosystem,” Chodankar stated. “By combining our local manufacturing strength and field understanding with CYGR’s world-class drone technologies, we are building systems that meet India’s unique operational needs.” This sentiment was echoed by George El Aily, Director of CYGR France, who noted, “India is a key strategic partner for us, and we are excited to bring our cutting-edge UAV platforms to this growing market. Through this collaboration with RRP Defence Ltd, we are not only transferring technology but also co-developing future-ready solutions that support India’s defense and surveillance landscape.”

The venture is not only poised to enhance India’s defense capabilities but also to contribute significantly to high-skill employment within the country and boost aerospace exports. An immediate contract valued at over $20 million for global defense exports, involving hundreds of units annually, is already in the pipeline, as confirmed by Dr. Zaynah, Global Advisor for the collaboration. This initiative indicates India’s burgeoning role as a global drone manufacturing hub, propelled by strategic international cooperation and a strong focus on indigenous capabilities.