Garuda Aerospace has reportedly signed a deal with Lockheed Martin Canada CDL Systems to integrate its locally made drones with the latter’s advanced uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) software solutions. Under the partnership, the companies will closely work to explore opportunities to develop drone-based service applications in sectors such as agriculture, mining, defence, industrial inspection and large-scale mapping.
One of the key applications that Garuda Aerospace plans to introduce through this collaboration is enabling connectivity in semi-urban and rural areas. The drones deployed to spray pesticides will also serve as repeaters for network signals, similar to routers hovering over vast areas.
According to Garuda Aerospace, drones will continue to serve the agricultural sector and help farmers reduce costs. With 5G connectivity introduced, this is one step towards creating a byproduct with huge disruption. The company’s vision is to launch 25,000 such drones this year and 100,000 drones next year, and deploy at least one drone in every village by 2024-2025.
The drones that are expected to be made under the collaboration using UAS software will be able to deliver better and high-speed connectivity in villages for a few hours a day or whenever deployed. This would enable high-speed internet use for transactions and education/training purposes by organisations like banks, schools, and universities in the villages with access to electricity for a limited number of hours a day.
