Optiemus Infracom, a domestic wearables and telecom equipment manufacturer, has announced its entry into the high-precision drones market with the establishment of a new division for research and development. The company has invested Rs 25 crore in Optiemus Unmanned Systems (OUS), a division dedicated to creating new drone designs that can be manufactured by the company’s manufacturing arm. Optiemus showcased three drone designs at the India Mobile Congress and has designed a total of seven models primarily aimed at the defense sector. However, the company plans to cater to other sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, logistics, mining, railways, and oil and gas.
In order to address data security concerns, Optiemus is focused on localisation and sourcing parts from trusted partners and locations as per government guidelines. The company has already localised key parts such as the autopilot, motor controller, GNSS receiver, and Power Management System. It aims to achieve 65% indigenisation within a year of launch.
Optiemus aims to make its drone products export-ready, expand offerings in smarter payloads, and enhance product autonomy with a broader range of unmanned vehicles for various terrains. The company plans to focus on drone research and development in the current fiscal year and start mass manufacturing from the next fiscal year. Optiemus will adopt a neutral stance in terms of branding and can either provide manufacturing services for clients or participate in tenders with its own branding.
According to Ashok Gupta, Chairman of Optiemus Infracom, manufacturing drones is a strategic move for the company as the government wants end-to-end local production in this sector to address data security and security concerns. The company is in the process of applying for industrial licenses and other certifications required to participate in defense contracts.
Overall, Optiemus Infracom’s venture into drone design and manufacturing reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and its recognition of the growing demand for high-precision drones in various industries. By focusing on data security, localisation, and indigenisation, Optiemus aims to establish itself as a trusted provider of drone solutions in the Indian market and expand its presence internationally.
