Mahendra Singh Dhoni, brand ambassador and investor in Garuda Aerospace, has successfully completed drone pilot training at the company’s DGCA-approved Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO) in Chennai. This milestone strengthens Dhoni’s engagement with Garuda Aerospace, underscoring his active participation in India’s expanding drone technology sector and marking a significant moment as one of the nation’s most celebrated athletes embraces the future of aviation innovation.
Having successfully completed the intensive training program, Dhoni is now a certified drone pilot, demonstrating the transformative potential of drone technology for India’s development. The program emphasizes safe and certified drone operations, blending classroom-based theoretical instruction with hands-on flying experience using simulators and real drones. Leading this initiative, Garuda Aerospace has expanded its presence with numerous training centers and more than 300 “Centres of Excellence” in partnership with top educational institutions. These efforts ensure pilots receive formal certification, reflecting the company’s dedication to safety, professionalism, and industry credibility.
Commenting on Dhoni’s accomplishment, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, stated, “MS Dhoni personally completing the pilot training and earning his certification is a landmark moment for our company. He grasped the training quickly and showed remarkable focus and dedication. His strong support for our vision to advance the drone industry inspires our entire team. Mahi Bhai’s active involvement reinforces our commitment to excellence and highlights the importance of skill development and innovation in this field.”
Mahendra Singh Dhoni announced that he has successfully earned his DGCA Drone Pilot Certification through Garuda Aerospace. The company, a DGCA-approved Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO), has trained more than 2,500 pilots under the expertise of its Master Instructors. Dhoni expressed his enthusiasm to continue collaborating with Garuda Aerospace and to be part of its ongoing growth in the drone technology sector.
With the drone sector experiencing rapid growth, the need for skilled, certified pilots has become more critical to maintain safety and regulatory compliance. Garuda Aerospace has positioned itself at the forefront of this expansion, holding six DGCA approvals and earning the distinction of being the first Indian drone startup to secure dual DGCA certifications for both manufacturing and training. The company is also authorized to provide pilot training for drones across small and medium categories (under and above 25 kg MTOW). Through its Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) offerings, Garuda Aerospace delivers cost-effective, precise, and dependable drone solutions to a wide range of industries. To nurture future talent, the company runs a “Train the Trainer” initiative, enabling certified instructors to guide upcoming drone pilots. Recently, Garuda Aerospace raised ₹100 crore in its Series B funding round at a $250 million valuation, led by VCATS and the Narotam Sekhseria Family Office, reflecting strong investor confidence in its vision and leadership.
