Marut Drones’ Skyswift 56 Secures DGCA Certification for Surveillance

The Indian drone manufacturer, Marut Drones, has achieved a significant milestone with the granting of type certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for its surveillance drone, the Skyswift 56. This indigenously developed drone is designed to enhance operational efficiency for security agencies, allowing deployment within two minutes and fitting conveniently into a backpack.

Based in Hyderabad, Marut Drones stands out as India’s first drone company to receive dual certification for both training and manufacturing. The Skyswift 56 is classified as a small quadcopter, tailored for surveillance, high-precision mapping, and field training. Its flexible design supports various payload configurations, including a first-person view (FPV) camera, a 24MP mapping camera with PPK support, a 4K surveillance camera, and thermal imaging capabilities.

The operational advantages of the Skyswift 56 are particularly vital for law enforcement agencies. By reducing emergency response times and operational costs, the drone aims to enhance the detection of illegal activities, thereby potentially lowering crime rates and fostering community confidence. This, in turn, is expected to create a more inviting atmosphere for businesses and public events, according to a company press release.

Innovative Design and Functionality

CEO Prem Kumar Vislawath emphasized the importance of the Skyswift 56 in addressing pressing national security concerns that have led to increased investments in tactical drone surveillance. The drone is developed in-house, focusing on equipping frontline personnel with discreet, high-precision surveillance tools. Its silent operation, thermal capabilities, and low-visibility design make it suitable for covert reconnaissance, patrolling, and public safety missions.

The Skyswift 56 is engineered for both durability and portability. Its rugged construction is weather-resistant and shock-absorbent, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 15 m/s. This performance enables efficient coverage of vast terrains, crucial for rapid response scenarios.

India’s drone market is poised for substantial growth. Current estimates suggest an increase from USD 145 million in 2024 to over USD 630 million by 2030, indicating a burgeoning adoption of drone technology across multiple sectors. Despite this growth, the country faces a significant shortage of skilled drone pilots, which could hinder the momentum of the UAV revolution.

With more than 100,000 drones currently in operation, projections indicate that this number could rise to 1 million by 2027. To address the shortage of qualified pilots, Marut Drones aims to fortify drone pilot training programs through the DGCA-certified Skyswift 56. The company estimates that this initiative could contribute over Rs 6000 crore in employment opportunities, based on a conservative average monthly salary of Rs 50,000 to Rs 80,000 for skilled pilots.

As the demand for drone technology escalates, the introduction of the Skyswift 56 represents a strategic step forward in enhancing India’s capabilities in drone surveillance and pilot training, ultimately contributing to the nation’s security and economic growth.