India’s DGCA Unveils New Guidelines for eVTOL Air Taxis, As Navy Advances with Underwater Drones

To streamline the licensing process for air taxis in India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) released new guidelines on Wednesday for securing airworthiness certification for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The DGCA aims to foster advanced air mobility solutions while ensuring the safety and reliability of emerging eVTOL technologies.

eVTOLs, which are electric-powered aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing, are anticipated to be a significant part of India’s aviation future. The country plans to roll out air taxis by 2026, with InterGlobe Aviation Limited, the parent company of IndiGo, already ordering 200 air taxis from the U.S.-based company Archer. The initial service is planned for the Delhi-Gurugram route, where air taxis will cover the 27 km distance in just 7 minutes, a dramatic reduction from the usual 1.5 to 2 hours by road. Additional services are expected to launch in Mumbai and Bengaluru in phases. The new advisory circular includes detailed safety standards covering design, construction, and flight performance.

In related defense news, the Indian Navy has received approval from the Defence Ministry to develop 100-tonne underwater drones, projected to cost over ₹2,500 crore. These unmanned underwater vessels will be equipped with strike capabilities to target enemy submarines and surface vessels. The clearance was granted during a recent high-level Defence Ministry meeting. The introduction of these vessels will provide the Indian Navy with advanced capabilities in the underwater domain and enhance its operational capacity. A project tender is expected to be issued in the coming months.