NEW DELHI: FWDA(Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace) is India’s first and only company to manufacture drone components domestically, producing 85% of its components indigenously, with 15% imported from Taiwan.
Suhas Tejaskanda, the founder of drone manufacturing and services startup,FWDA takes pride in the fact that in just two years, his drones are protecting Indian PM Narendra Modi and partnered with Special Protection Group and L&T.
In an exclusive interview with The Sunday Guardian, he said “Our ultimate goal is to make our nation atma nirbhar in unmanned aerial vehicles”.
Excerpts from the interview:
Q: What inspired you to start Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA)?
A: Initially I aspired to be in the military but things didn’t pan out. I have a technical background, in 2017 I pursued B.Tech in Electronics and Communications at VIT Vellore, specializing in Networks. I wanted to do something for the nation. The inspiration to start FWDA stemmed from a desire to reduce India’s reliance on costly drone imports and to support the Make in India initiative. About 95% of the drone ecosystem in India relies on imported components, which is not sustainable.
With my background in networks and a passion for technology, I saw an opportunity to create indigenous, high-quality drone solutions that could meet both defense and agricultural needs. Our mission is to provide innovative, cost-effective, and reliable drone technology that empowers both our defense forces and farmers.
Q: Can you elaborate on the motto “Saving Jawans and Serving Kisans” and how it shapes the company’s mission and operations?
A: Our motto “Saving Jawans and Serving Kisans” reflects our dual commitment to enhancing national security and supporting the agricultural sector. For the defense sector, we develop advanced drones like the FWD-200B to protect and save the lives of our soldiers. For agriculture, our drones like the FWDA10 help farmers by improving efficiency in tasks like pesticide spraying, reducing their exposure to harmful chemicals, and increasing crop yields. This motto drives our innovation and dedication to creating solutions that benefit both sectors.
Q: How did you achieve 85% domestic manufacturing for your drone components? And what challenges have you faced in this journey?
A: Achieving 85% domestic manufacturing involved significant investment in research and development, establishing a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, and collaborating with local suppliers and manufacturers. One major challenge was sourcing high-quality materials and components locally. To overcome this, we worked closely with local suppliers to ensure they met our stringent quality standards. Another challenge was developing the technical expertise needed for advanced drone manufacturing, which we addressed through rigorous training programs and hiring skilled professionals.
Q. Could you provide more details about the FWDA10-V1 Hexa-copter? What makes it unique compared to other drones in the market?
A: The FWDA10-V1 Hexa-copter is unique due to its modular design, autonomous flight capabilities, and advanced safety features. It is India’s first DGCA type-certified smart agri-spraying drone, capable of covering an acre in less than five minutes. It features AI-enabled obstacle avoidance, battery fail-safe, GPS fail-safe, and communication fail-safe systems. The drone’s ability to detect and reroute around obstacles makes it highly reliable and efficient for agricultural use. Its modularity allows for easy assembly, dismantling, and reconfiguration for multiple use cases.
Q: How do you ensure the quality and reliability of your drones, especially since most components are indigenously manufactured?
A: We ensure quality and reliability through a rigorous Six Sigma approach and a 12-point end-to-end testing process. Each component and assembled drone undergoes extensive testing to meet our high standards. Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is equipped with advanced quality control systems and real-time monitoring to identify and rectify any issues promptly. Additionally, we conduct regular training for our workforce to maintain the highest level of precision and craftsmanship.
Q: How has the introduction of the FWDA10-V1 impacted farmers and their agricultural practices? Can you share any success stories or feedback from farmers who have used your drones for agrochemical spraying?
A: The FWDA10-V1 has significantly impacted farmers by increasing the efficiency and accuracy of agrochemical spraying, reducing labor costs, and minimizing their exposure to harmful pesticides. One success story comes from a farmer in Karnataka who reported a 30% increase in crop yield and a 50% reduction in pesticide use after switching to our drone technology. Many farmers have expressed their satisfaction with the ease of use and reliability of our drones, leading to improved agricultural practices and better crop management.
Q: How do your drones help in reducing the adverse health effects of pesticide exposure for farmers?
A: Our drones help reduce the adverse health effects of pesticide exposure by automating the spraying process, thereby minimizing direct contact with harmful chemicals. The FWDA10-V1 can cover large areas quickly and accurately, ensuring even distribution of pesticides without the need for farmers to manually handle or apply them. This reduces the risk of inhalation or skin contact with toxic substances, promoting safer and healthier working conditions for farmers.
Q: What was the process like for receiving type certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)?
A: Receiving type certification from the DGCA involved a thorough and rigorous process. We had to demonstrate the safety, reliability, and performance of our drones through extensive testing and documentation. This included flight tests, safety checks, and compliance with all regulatory standards. We worked closely with the DGCA throughout the process, providing detailed reports and ensuring that our drones met all necessary criteria for certification. The successful certification of the FWDA10-V1 was a testament to our commitment to quality and safety.
Q: What are your future plans for FWDA in terms of product development and market expansion? Are there any new technologies or innovations you are currently working on that you can share with us?
A: Our future plans for FWDA include expanding our product line to cater to a broader range of applications in both defense and agriculture. We are currently working on next-generation drones with enhanced AI capabilities, longer flight durations, and improved payload capacities. Additionally, we aim to enter new markets both domestically and internationally, leveraging our strong foundation in indigenous manufacturing. Innovations such as swarm drone technology and advanced data analytics for precision farming are also in the pipeline, which will further enhance our product offerings.
In addition to this we have a vision of deploying small copters which are low altitude flight drones which can be used for various purposes like wildlife monitoring, emergency medical assistance, etc. We are also working on developing loitering munitions and cheaper versions of drones like the Shahid.
Our ultimate goal is to build a company similar to global giants like Airbus and Boeing, with a strong emphasis on R&D and innovation, here in India. Also to make our nation atma nirbhar in unmanned aerial vehicles.
Q: How do you see the role of drones evolving in both the defense and agricultural sectors in the coming years?
A: In the defense sector, drones will play an increasingly vital role in surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat operations. They will offer advanced capabilities for real-time data gathering and precision strikes, enhancing national security. In agriculture, drones will revolutionize farming practices by enabling precision agriculture, optimizing resource use, and improving crop yields. The integration of AI and machine learning will further enhance their effectiveness, making them indispensable tools for modern farming and defense operations.