The approval is part of the Certification Scheme for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), which seeks to ensure that drones meet rigorous safety and quality standards before they can operate in various sectors across the country. With this certification, NTH will play a pivotal role in assessing drones for compliance with national and international standards, positioning India as a global leader in drone technology.
NTH's Northern Region, based in Ghaziabad, has been at the forefront of this certification process, with plans to conduct an audit for Vimaana Aerospace Technologies in Noida. This audit will assess the D1 application for the Krishiraj 1.0 agricultural drone, a model designed specifically for the farming sector. The evaluation process, set for September 11-12, is a critical step toward obtaining the mandatory type certification, a requirement under the 2021 regulations.
The approval by QCI aligns with the government’s broader push to develop a competitive and technologically advanced drone ecosystem in the country. The focus is on ensuring that drones used in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, logistics, and infrastructure adhere to stringent safety norms. As drones become an integral part of modern solutions in these industries, securing type certification will ensure their safe and efficient operation.
NTH has distinguished itself within the certification process by offering a highly competitive fee of INR 1.5 lakh, the lowest in the industry. This low-cost certification option reflects the organization's commitment to fostering innovation while maintaining rigorous safety standards. The speed and efficiency with which NTH has advanced in the certification process have also set it apart from its peers in the industry.
This development is part of India’s broader vision to become a global hub for drone technology. With the introduction of the Drone Rules 2021, the country has focused on streamlining regulations to encourage the safe use of drones in various sectors. The approval of NTH Ghaziabad as a certification body represents another step toward realizing this vision, helping to position the country as a leader in drone technology and ensuring that certified drones meet the highest standards of safety and reliability.
As the drone industry continues to grow, the role of certification bodies like NTH will become increasingly important. These organizations will ensure that drones operating in India meet the necessary regulatory requirements, fostering innovation while safeguarding public safety. With the QCI’s approval, NTH Ghaziabad is now at the center of this evolving ecosystem, contributing to the growth of India’s drone industry.
This strategic move by QCI also highlights the increasing demand for drone applications in agriculture, where drones like the Krishiraj 1.0 aim to revolutionize farming practices. The drone is designed to assist with tasks such as crop monitoring, spraying, and precision agriculture, helping to improve efficiency and reduce costs for farmers. As more industries recognize the potential of drone technology, the need for reliable certification becomes paramount.
The government's focus on expanding the use of drones in sectors like healthcare and logistics is also driving demand for certified drones. By ensuring that drones comply with safety regulations, certification bodies like NTH are helping to facilitate the adoption of drone technology across various sectors. This, in turn, supports the country’s broader economic and technological ambitions.
In addition to agricultural drones, certified drones are expected to play a key role in healthcare, where they can be used for tasks such as transporting medical supplies to remote areas. Similarly, in the logistics sector, drones are increasingly being explored for package delivery, offering faster and more efficient alternatives to traditional methods.