Optiemus Unmanned Systems Private Limited (OUS), a subsidiary of Optiemus Infracom Limited, has announced the launch of its new range of indigenously developed drones aimed at the agricultural and mapping sectors.
The launch, held at the 5th Drone International Expo at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, marks a significant step towards bolstering India’s capabilities in unmanned aerial technology.
OUS, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” initiative, will invest INR 140 Crores in this venture, with an ambitious plan to roll out a fleet of 5000 drones by the end of 2025.
This strategic investment aims to generate service revenues between INR 600 to INR 900 Crores by the end of the same year.
The company’s innovative approach includes a pioneering “Drone as a Service” (DaaS) model, targeting the agricultural sector to enhance productivity and efficiency.
OUS plans to train approximately 6000 pilots to operate these drones, ensuring smooth deployment and operation.
Among the newly launched products is the Agri Shakti 10L, an agricultural drone equipped with a 10-liter spray tank capable of covering 1 acre in about 7 minutes. Priced at INR 2.25 lakhs plus GST, this drone is designed to offer cost-effective solutions for precision farming and spraying.
Additionally, the Vajra QC P20, a precision agriculture and mapping drone, boasts a flight duration of over 30 minutes and can survey areas between 0.5 to 1 sq. km. This drone is also suitable for assessing crop damage for the insurance industry, further enhancing its utility in sustainable farming practices.
OUS has localized numerous components, achieving a 65% indigenization rate, with plans to reach 75% by the end of the financial year.
Components such as the power distribution board, anti-spark switch, flight controller, airframe, and motor are all produced in India, reinforcing the company’s commitment to self-reliance.
Mr. Ashok Kumar Gupta, Chairman of Optiemus Infracom Limited, expressed confidence in the new business model. “We have decided to march on a unique business model for our drone business and this is based on our ground-level research, which called out issues like lack of know-how on operating drones, scarcity of spare parts etc. The potential for this business is huge given the benefits it serves; we are set to leverage our expertise in drone technology to offer a cost-effective and efficient solution for agricultural and defence needs. It is our effort to revolutionize traditional farming practices and enhance crop yields while promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship. We have already got a portfolio of military grade drones and have started selling our drones to India’s defense and paramilitary forces”
The company is engaging with national and state-run cooperative societies, government organizations, and agricultural universities to facilitate widespread adoption.
OUS is committed to providing comprehensive after-sales support to ensure smooth operations, with spare drones and components on standby and a technically qualified support team.
