India, July 4 -- The Centre reportedly plans to launch an INR 2,000 Cr ($234 Mn) incentive programme to boost drone manufacturing in the country.

As per Reuters, the incentive scheme will span a period of three years and will cover aspects such as manufacturing of drones, components, software, counter drone systems, and allied services.

The initiative, which will be undertaken under the aegis of the civil aviation ministry (MCA), has been envisaged to the country's reliance on imported components and counter Pakistan's drone programme built on support from China and Turkey.

The new drone incentive scheme will reportedly aim to localise the production of at least 40% of key drone components in India by the end of fiscal year 2027-28 (FY...