Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has requested permission from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to begin development of a High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for the Indian military.
This move, if greenlit, would mark the first instance of an Indian private sector company undertaking a project in a field traditionally controlled by the government's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), specifically its Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE).
Instead of adapting an existing manned aircraft, as previously considered with the Grob G 180, TASL now plans to design and build a completely new, unmanned HALE UAV.
To expedite the development process, the company plans to utilize readily available technologies from both Indian and international suppliers, according to sources familiar with the matter.
This initiative aligns with a growing trend within the MoD of encouraging private sector participation in the UAV sector. Recently, Economic Explosives Limited, a subsidiary of the Solar Group of Industries, received authorization to develop Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) UAVs for the Indian Armed Forces, demonstrating the MoD's shift.
The DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) has experienced ongoing difficulties and setbacks in producing domestically-made MALE UAVs. This has prompted the MoD to consider private sector involvement in this strategically important area. TASL's proposal is in line with the Indian government's wider objective of utilizing private sector capabilities to enhance and modernize the nation's defense technology.
HALE UAVs are critical for persistent surveillance and reconnaissance, offering significant advantages over lower-altitude platforms. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), HALE UAVs typically operate at altitudes above 40,000 feet and can stay airborne for extended periods, often exceeding 24 hours.
While TASL's proposal represents a potential turning point in India's UAV development landscape, the MoD's final decision remains pending. A TASL representative confirmed the company's keen interest in broadening its UAV offerings, emphasizing its dedication to advancing technology in this crucial field.
Should TASL receive approval, its entry into HALE UAV development could establish a significant precedent, paving the way for increased private sector participation in India's defense sector. This would likely lead to increased competition, foster innovation, and potentially accelerate the deployment of advanced UAV systems to the Indian Armed Forces.
