The Government of India has established a task force to speed up the launch of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) drone technology across the country.

The 13-member task force will be chaired by India’s Civil Aviation State Minister Jayant Sinha.

Representatives from the government, public sector undertakings, and industry experts have been included in the task force to develop a roadmap featuring implementable recommendations for central and state governments, as well as industry and research institutions.

“Necessary consultations and interactions will also be held with industry and research institutions, as well as government organisations.”

It will focus on research, development, acquisition, commercialisation, and adoption of UAV technology in specific sectors, as well as the required regulatory framework. This will address the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.

The proposed roadmap will also include the role of the industry.

In addition, the task force will also study global practices and interact with relevant stakeholders, if necessary, to prepare its report. It is scheduled to be submitted within six months of the formation of the force.

Necessary consultations and interactions will also be held with industry and research institutions, as well as government organisations.

In November, the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) unveiled the draft regulations on the civil use of drones across the country.

The draft Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) for unmanned aircraft systems have proposed registration of all commercial drones with the DGCA, except for nano-category and government-operated UAVs.