Indian Army Plans Acquisition of 20 Tactical Drones to Enhance Intelligence and Surveillance
The Indian Army is poised to boost its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities through the acquisition of 20 Tactical Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs). In this regard, the Ministry of Defence has begun the procurement process by issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to identify the most suitable platforms and Indian vendors.
As detailed in the RFI, the tactical RPAs, along with essential ground support equipment, will be acquired in alignment with the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. These drones are intended for use in a variety of operational settings, with a balanced deployment planned for both plains and high-altitude or mountainous areas.
All-Weather, All-Terrain Capability
The RFI outlines that the RPAs must be capable of operating day and night under typical weather conditions across all terrains. They should be able to function in high-altitude areas with winds reaching up to 60 knots and in plains with winds up to 30 knots. Additionally, they must tolerate rainfall of up to 20 mm per hour and withstand gusts of up to 10 knots during take-off and landing, operating effectively even in non-thunderous cloud conditions.
Modular Design, Multiple Payloads
The Army has stressed the importance of a modular and scalable design to ensure future readiness, allowing upgrades with minimal changes. The RPAs should be capable of flying with at least two different payloads simultaneously, catering to the Army's evolving multi-mission needs.
According to the RFI, the drones are expected to support a diverse range of payloads, including EO/IR (Electro-Optical/Infra-Red) sensors, COMINT, ELINT, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), FOPEN (Foliage Penetrating) radar, and communication relay systems, thereby significantly expanding the Army’s ISR capabilities.
Part of a Broader Drone Push
Tactical RPAs are becoming increasingly crucial in modern warfare, offering rapid deployment, enhanced situational awareness, and operational flexibility, especially in challenging and rugged terrain. Their mobility decreases reliance on fixed infrastructure, easing the constraints of launch and recovery.
This planned acquisition is part of the Indian Army's broader strategy to enhance its drone capabilities. Recently, the Army established 380 ASHNI platoons comprised of personnel trained to operate various drones, including ISR platforms and loitering munitions, across infantry units.
Defence officials indicate that the new tactical RPAs will augment existing drone units, providing improved real-time battlefield awareness and enhancing the Army’s operational capability across a full range of conflicts, from counter-insurgency to high-intensity operations.
The RFI process will facilitate the finalisation of Services Qualitative Requirements (SQRs), determine the procurement category, and shortlist potential Indian vendors, setting the stage for a significant upgrade in the Army’s surveillance and reconnaissance infrastructure.
