Garuda Aerospace, India’s leading drone manufacturer, announced a significant milestone as its brand ambassador and investor, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, successfully completed his drone pilot training at the company’s DGCA-approved Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO) in Chennai. This achievement deepens Dhoni’s engagement with Garuda Aerospace, marking his active participation in the future of aviation technology beyond his existing roles.
The rigorous training program, which blends comprehensive theoretical ground classes with hands-on practical sessions on simulators and actual drones, has now officially certified Dhoni to operate drones. This certification underscores the growing importance of skilled and safe drone operations in India’s expanding drone ecosystem and reflects the company’s mission to transform the nation’s technological landscape.
Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, praised Dhoni’s dedication and quick mastery of drone piloting skills, stating, “Having our brand ambassador and investor, MS Dhoni, personally undergo the training and get certified as a pilot is a monumental milestone for us. His unwavering belief in our mission to revolutionise the drone industry is a massive source of encouragement for the entire team.”
Dhoni shared his enthusiasm about the accomplishment and his continued partnership with Garuda Aerospace. “I’m proud to have completed the DGCA Drone Pilot Certification Programme with Garuda Aerospace and look forward to being part of this exciting journey as the drone industry evolves.” Garuda Aerospace, which has trained over 2,500 pilots through its network of more than 300 Centres of Excellence in collaboration with leading educational institutions, is pioneering drone pilot education and certification in India. The company holds six DGCA approvals and is the first Indian drone startup to receive dual certifications for both drone manufacturing and pilot training.
As drone adoption accelerates across sectors, Garuda Aerospace’s Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) model ensures access to precise and reliable drone technology. Its “Train the Trainer” program further nurtures talent by certifying instructors who can guide the next generation of drone pilots. Recently, the company secured ?100 crores in Series B funding at a $250 million valuation, led by VCATS and the Narotam Sekhseria Family Office, signalling strong investor confidence in its vision and leadership. With MS Dhoni now officially a certified drone pilot, Garuda Aerospace is poised to soar even higher, combining star power with cutting-edge innovation to propel India’s drone industry into a new era.