New Delhi, July 4 -- The Indian government is set to roll out a Rs 1,998 crore (USD 234 million) incentive programme aimed at boosting domestic production of drones for both civil and military use.

The three-year initiative seeks to reduce the country's dependence on imported drone components and keep pace with Pakistan, which has ramped up its drone capabilities with support from China and Turkey.

According to government and industry sources, the programme will support manufacturing of drones, related components, software, counter-drone systems, and services.

This marks a significant leap from India's earlier Rs 120 crore production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme launched in 2021, which saw limited success due to funding challenges fac...