The Odisha government has announced India’s first National UAV Test and Innovation Corridor at Rangeilunda Airport, partnering with Bhubaneswar-based deep-tech startup BonV Aero. This marks the first time an operational civilian airport will be repurposed as a live testing and certification site for drones, moving beyond restricted laboratory zones to real-world airspace validation. The corridor was launched at Wings India 2026, aligning with Odisha’s B‑MAAN scheme to establish the state as an aviation hub.
Real-World Airspace Testing for Advanced Drone Capabilities
The facility will enable comprehensive testing of unmanned aerial vehicles in actual operational conditions, supporting swarm operations, AI‑driven navigation, autonomous airspace management, and high‑density drone deployments.
Odisha Commerce and Transport Principal Secretary Usha Padhee said the state aims to build infrastructure contributing to national low‑altitude airspace policy. BonV Aero CEO Satyabrata Satapathy highlighted validation of autonomy stacks, propulsion systems, and mission reliability in diverse coastal and hinterland terrains. The corridor will function as a regulatory sandbox for beyond visual line of sight operations, critical for commercial scalability.
Strategic Site Leverages Unique Geography and Infrastructure
Rangeilunda’s coastal location and surrounding terrain provide ideal conditions for missions in defence logistics, commercial delivery, disaster response, and surveillance. BonV Aero’s prior achievements include a 60‑km BVLOS mission carrying 20‑kg payload and heavy‑lift records at high altitudes. The corridor will be developed in phases, progressively expanding capabilities for India’s burgeoning drone ecosystem. This public‑private partnership formalises low‑altitude airspace as national infrastructure comparable to highways, ports, and digital spectrum.
B‑MAAN Scheme Anchors Odisha’s Aviation Ambitions
Odisha’s B‑MAAN initiative seeks to position the state as a drone and aviation innovation centre, leveraging its strategic geography and supportive policy framework. The corridor accelerates UAV technology readiness for regulated deployment across priority sectors. It addresses current constraints of lab‑based testing that fail to replicate real airspace complexities. By creating a dedicated ecosystem, Odisha aims to attract global players while nurturing domestic startups.
National Blueprint for Drone Ecosystem Development
The Rangeilunda model establishes a blueprint for other states seeking to develop UAV infrastructure. It integrates testing, certification, manufacturing, and deployment under one operational umbrella. Government backing ensures regulatory clarity essential for investor confidence. BonV Aero’s domain leadership combined with Odisha’s infrastructure commitment creates a formidable platform for India’s drone ambitions. This flagship project positions the state at the forefront of next‑generation aviation technologies.
