India fast-tracks ₹20,000 crore drone deal to bolster border surveillance

In a significant move to enhance border surveillance and bolster indigenous defence capabilities, India is fast-tracking the procurement of 87 Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones for its armed forces. This ambitious project, valued at over ₹20,000 crore, is set to be executed under the Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured (IDDM) category, with the primary objective of reducing the nation's reliance on foreign defence equipment. The proposal is anticipated to be presented before a high-level meeting of the Ministry of Defence in the near future.

Key Indian defence firms, including Adani Defence, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), IdeaForge, and NewSpace Research, are expected to play a crucial role in this expansive program. These MALE drones will be equipped with advanced surveillance and combat features, offering real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities specifically tailored for operations in challenging terrains along India's borders with Pakistan and China. Officials have also indicated plans to integrate indigenous missile systems with these advanced unmanned aerial vehicles.

The armed forces have meticulously finalized the specifications for these drones through a comprehensive scientific study, underscoring the critical need for effective and sustained surveillance along the country's sensitive borders. This initiative marks a strategic shift for India, which has historically depended heavily on foreign suppliers, particularly the United States and Israel, for its drone requirements. The fast-tracked procurement aligns with the government's broader "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) vision in the defence sector, fostering a robust domestic defence industrial ecosystem.