Drones to deliver goods in Lakshadweep from Kochi, new airport in Minicoy soon

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Air Force is preparing to equip drones to deliver medicine and essential supplies to Lakshadweep, as well as for military purposes. These drones will also be able to carry weapons. A new airport will be built at Minicoy, while the Agatti airport is getting ready to undergo an expansion, said Air Marshal Narmadeshwar Tiwari, Vice Chief of the Air Force.

Drones are being launched for connectivity on islands, as it is impractical to build airbases. Multi-purpose drones capable of travelling up to 500 km with a payload of 300 kg will be developed in collaboration with the private sector. They have a flight capacity of five hours. They will also have surveillance cameras. Drones can be used for disaster management and road inspections.

Drones with large wings that fly horizontally will be built. Despite obstacles to communication and navigation through satellites and adverse weather conditions, the project will be implemented within three years. More than a hundred startups are collaborating with the Air Force. The Central Government has allocated funds after approving the project for the development of Minicoy Airport and Agatti. The Southern Air Force Headquarters in Akkulam will be responsible for coordinating the projects, the Air Marshal said.

• Human trafficking, drug and arms smuggling are widespread through uninhabited islands in the archipelago. It would be beneficial for the army if drones assisted in their work.

• Vegetables, medicines and essential items can be transported from Kochi to Lakshadweep via drones. There will also be connectivity between the islands.

• With the expansion of Agatti airport and the construction of a new one in Minicoy, tourism is likely to surge