India Accelerates 87 MALE Drones Acquisition to Boost Real-Time Border Surveillance, Mandating 60% Local Content to Foster Self-Reliance

In a significant measure to bolster its national security infrastructure, India is fast-tracking the acquisition of 87 Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) drones.

This initiative aims to substantially upgrade the real-time surveillance capabilities of the armed forces along critical land borders and vast maritime zones.

The procurement of these advanced unmanned aerial systems is designed to address the country's evolving security landscape by providing persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).

The drones will be engineered to meet stringent operational demands, including the ability to fly for over 30 hours continuously and operate at altitudes exceeding 35,000 feet.

This will enable comprehensive monitoring over diverse and challenging terrains, from high-altitude mountainous regions to expansive sea territories.

Beyond surveillance, these platforms will also be equipped with combat capabilities to allow for swift responses to emerging threats.

Central to this approximately ₹20,000 crore project is the strategic goal of promoting indigenous manufacturing. The government has mandated a minimum of 60% indigenous content for the drones, a move that aligns with the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" policy.

This condition is intended to cultivate a robust domestic ecosystem for advanced defence technologies, enhance the capabilities of Indian industry in the high-tech unmanned systems sector, and reduce the nation's dependency on foreign military hardware.

This project marks a pivotal moment, as it will be the first time that major orders for MALE-class drones are set to be fulfilled by domestic companies, a domain previously dominated by international suppliers.

Several prominent Indian defence and aerospace firms are positioned as likely contenders for this high-value programme. The list includes Adani Defence, Tata Advanced Systems, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Larsen & Toubro, Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited, and Raphe mPhibr, all of which are expected to contribute their significant technological expertise.

A senior defence official commented on the strategic importance of the acquisition, stating, "The acquisition of these MALE drones is a critical step in enhancing our operational readiness and situational awareness."

He further emphasised, "The emphasis on indigenous content ensures that we build a robust ecosystem for advanced defence technologies within the country."

The project is being managed on a fast-track basis to ensure timely deployment in response to dynamic security challenges.

The advanced ISR capabilities of these drones are expected to provide the armed forces with high-quality, real-time intelligence, thereby facilitating quicker and more effective decision-making in complex operational scenarios.

This move represents a dual-pronged strategy: strengthening the nation's defence while simultaneously empowering its domestic industrial base.

 

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[Apocalypse gupta]

60% indigenous content is a good start. Over next decades we can take it to 90% and start having indigenous designs. Tapas, archer etc may have died but we can learn from mistakes.

 

[Anuj]

India should buy 50% locally made drones. I am sure they can be used in multiple places even if they are inferior. Local drones' cost will be much lower, and there is always the possibility to do much more customisation and refinements.

 

[Sandeep]

The only indigenous DRDO MALE drone under development is the Archer NG which can carry out ISTAR missions and its armed. It’s better to buy duel use technology and equipment as it saves money.

We need to make sure that we 100% indigenously design, develop and manufacture our own drones. We can’t rely on foreign expensive imports, parts or servicing needs for the drone’s lifespan of around 30 years.

 

[Ashish Vatsa]

Although both HALE & MALE are required by defence forces, I believe having more numbers of combat-capable HALE drones will be more useful for defence forces. We have a number of companies, both public & private, who are involved in manufacturing drones. The Defence Ministry should select a few of them in a PPP model and guide them to develop long-endurance HALE drones with capabilities to carry at least 3 tonnes of payload with a service ceiling of 50,000 feet with SAR, EO/IO SENSOR, and IRST that will definitely help the armed forces in ISR capability and it will overshadow even MQ9 REAPER drones.