Drone Manufacturing and Testing Hub to Be Established in Kuhi Under State Aerospace Policy A specialized drone manufacturing and testing facility is set to be established in Kuhi, Nagpur district, under the state government’s upcoming aerospace and defense policy, according to Dushant Deshpande, director of the Vidarbha Defence Industries Association (VDIA). Deshpande, who also serves as a member of the policy formulation committee, announced the initiative during a panel discussion at the Viksit Bharat Conclave. The Kuhi project will be one of five Centres of Excellence (CoEs) proposed across the state, alongside a nuclear-aeronics facility planned in Saoner. Deshpande emphasized that the evolving nature of warfare is shifting toward network-centric systems, driven by interconnected technologies, data, and precision capabilities. He highlighted Israel’s advanced airspace defense strategies, citing its conflicts with Hamas and Iran as examples of the critical role of indigenous technology in modern defense. “The nature of warfare is changing rapidly, with a growing reliance on interconnected systems, data, and precision technologies,” he stated. VDIA has already incubated 10 to 12 startups, and Deshpande described Nagpur as an ideal hub for aerospace and defense ventures. He noted the city’s existing infrastructure for explosives manufacturing and its potential to scale defense-related industries. “Nagpur is one of India’s largest hubs for explosives manufacturing and offers excellent exposure for industries looking to scale in the defense sector,” he said. The director also underscored the importance of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in enhancing operational efficiency while reducing human involvement in high-risk battlefield environments.#nagpur #dushant_deshpande #vidarbha_defence_industries_association #kuhi #viksit_bharat_conclave
