Garuda Aerospace, one of India’s leading drone manufacturers, announced that its brand ambassador and investor, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, has successfully completed his drone pilot training at the company’s DGCA-approved Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) in Chennai.
The achievement marks a new milestone in Dhoni’s association with the company, extending beyond investment and brand endorsement as he actively participates in promoting drone innovation and skill development in India.
Dhoni Earns DGCA Drone Pilot Certification
After completing the intensive training programme, Dhoni is now certified to operate drones, underscoring the growing importance of certified drone pilots in India’s emerging aviation ecosystem. The course combined theoretical ground instruction with hands-on simulator sessions and real drone flight training, emphasising the need for safe and regulated drone operations.
Garuda Aerospace has been spearheading drone pilot training across the country through its expanding network of centres, including over 300 “Centres of Excellence” in collaboration with leading educational institutions. These initiatives reflect the company’s commitment to quality, formal certification, and credibility in the drone industry.
Leadership Remarks
Commenting on Dhoni’s certification, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, said:
“Having our brand ambassador and investor, MS Dhoni, personally undergo the training and get certified as a pilot is a monumental milestone for us. He picked it up very quickly and was extremely focused on learning. His belief in our mission to revolutionise the drone industry continues to inspire our entire team.”
Dhoni expressed his excitement at completing the DGCA Drone Pilot Certification Programme with Garuda Aerospace, which has already trained more than 2,500 aspiring drone pilots under its Master Instructors. He also shared his enthusiasm for continuing his journey with the company as it scales new heights in drone technology.
Garuda Aerospace’s Growing Presence
As India’s drone sector rapidly expands, the demand for skilled and certified drone pilots is rising to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Garuda Aerospace currently holds six DGCA approvals, including the distinction of being the first Indian drone start-up to receive dual DGCA certifications for both manufacturing and training.
The company has DGCA authorisation to conduct pilot training across both small and medium drone categories (under and above 25 kg MTOW). Through its Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) model, Garuda Aerospace continues to make drone technology affordable and accessible across industries such as agriculture, logistics, and infrastructure.
To further support India’s drone talent pipeline, the company also runs a “Train the Trainer” programme to certify instructors who will guide the next generation of pilots.
Earlier this year, Garuda Aerospace raised ₹100 crore in Series B funding at a $250 million valuation, led by VCATS and the Narotam Sekhseria Family Office, reaffirming investor confidence in its vision and leadership.
Muskaan Kapoor
Leave a Reply