India Fast-Tracks ₹20K Cr Drone Deal for Border Surveillance
India to Procure 87 Indigenous MALE Drones Worth ₹20,000 Cr to Strengthen Border Surveillance
In a significant boost to India’s defence self-reliance and border security, the country is fast-tracking the procurement of 87 Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones for its armed forces. Valued at over ₹20,000 crore, the project will be carried out under the Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured (IDDM) category, reducing dependency on foreign equipment.
According to defence sources, the proposal is expected to be reviewed soon at a high-level Ministry of Defence meeting.
Key Highlights:
Major Indian defence players like Adani Defence, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), IdeaForge, and NewSpace Research are expected to participate in the programme.
The drones will feature advanced surveillance and combat capabilities, including real-time ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) systems.
The armed forces also plan to integrate indigenous missile systems with these drones.
The specifications for the MALE drones were finalised after a detailed scientific assessment, reflecting India’s strategic need for enhanced surveillance along its borders with Pakistan and China.
Until now, India has largely depended on drone technologies from the United States and Israel. This indigenous initiative marks a major shift in India’s defence procurement strategy, focusing on self-reliance and operational autonomy.