In a move that is set to give a massive boost to indigenous defence manufacturing, the armed forces are soon set to pick 2 local players to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) indigenously. The bidders will share the colossal Rs 30,000 crore contract, recently cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC).
Armies across the globe are increasing their reliance on drones, with the Indian armed forces too moving in that direction. Operation Sindoor wasn’t just a testament to the drone power of our armed forces but also showed how important a role these UAVs are set to play in future wars.
Post the success of Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army is now working towards strengthening its air defence network against modern aerial threats, including drones and swarm systems. In view of this, the DAC recently cleared a Rs 30,000 crore contract for drones’ supply.
Rs 30,000 crore drone deal: What are the nitty-gritties?
The recently cleared deal pertains to the supply of long-range drones to the armed forces, as the armed forces look at unlocking the UAV power. This massive contract for indigenous UAVs is also set to boost the defence manufacturing ecosystem in the country, with 2 players set to split the order.
Rajnath Singh-led Defence Acquisition Council recently gave its go ahead to the armed forces for the procurement of 87 Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones that will be made in India. These UAVs will carry out a variety of tasks, including reconnaissance, electronic warfare and precision missile strikes.
Who will make these 87 MALE drones?
An Expression of Interest for the deal will be issued by the armed forces soon, inviting Indian firms to bid for the contract, Economic Times reported. After this, trials will be conducted before the final stage of commercial negotiations is reached. The final order is said to be split between the 2 lowest bidders.
The report added that the division will be in the ratio of 64:36, with the lowest bidder getting the bigger share.
Keeping in mind the thought of making these drones in India, the bidding players will need to ensure that aerostructures and main parts are also made locally. Even the engine for the drone needs to be assembled and tested in India.
What is the need for MALE class drones?
Enhanced surveillance couple with combat capabilities make these UAVs an essential equipment on the battlefield. They will boast of real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) in all kinds of terrain. Further, such drones should have the capability to fly over 30 hours at a maximum altitude of at least 35,000 feet, The Hindu had reported earlier.
“The induction of MALE class drones will enhance the surveillance capabilities of all three services, especially the Indian Air Force to monitor the Eastern and Western Border,” the report added, citing an official.
Which firms could bid for MALE drone manufacture?
A host of Indian firms are likely to take part in the MALE drone competition. These include Adani Defence that has already supplied 4 MALE drones to the armed forces earlier. Another leading contender in the race is Solar Defence and Aerospace which has invested heavily in making a new MALE testing and manufacturing facility near Nagpur.
Other than these two, Raphe Mphibr and Tata Advanced Systems Limited are also likely to bid for the project.