The Indian Army is set to place orders worth nearly Rs 5,000 crore for indigenous drones capable of operating in hostile electronic warfare environments, including enemy spoofing and jamming. The decision comes after extensive trials in conditions similar to those faced during Operation Sindoor, where electronic interference posed major operational challenges.
The move marks a significant push towards self-reliance, with orders being placed exclusively with Indian companies from both the public and private sectors.
Drones Designed to Tackle Enemy Threats in Three Ways
According to a reports the drones being procured are designed to counter enemy threats through three different roles.
The first category includes short-range kamikaze or loitering munitions. These are self-destructive drones that crash into targets to neutralise them, making them highly effective against enemy positions.
The second category consists of long-range precision munition drones. These drones can fly deep into enemy territory, identify targets accurately, strike them, and in some cases return safely after completing the mission.
The third category includes surveillance drones used for intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and real-time battlefield monitoring. Together, these UAVs will significantly boost the Army’s strike and surveillance capabilities.
Strict Testing Before Selection
Before finalising the procurement, the Army carried out stringent testing of the drones. A special electronic warfare testing zone was created to simulate intense jamming and spoofing conditions. The drones were tested right from the launch stage to ensure they could function effectively despite signal interference.
Another key focus during evaluation was ensuring that no Chinese components were used. Every drone underwent detailed screening to rule out the presence of Chinese parts, reflecting India’s growing emphasis on supply chain security.
The purchases are being made under emergency procurement powers granted after Operation Sindoor, allowing faster acquisition of critical equipment.
Performance in High-Altitude Areas Also Evaluated
The Army also tested whether these drones could operate efficiently in high-altitude regions, where weather, terrain, and signal conditions are particularly challenging. Test teams carefully assessed drone performance in such environments to ensure they meet operational needs along India’s mountainous borders.
Sources said the primary aim of the selection process was to identify drones that could deliver consistent results in difficult electronic warfare conditions—lessons learned directly from recent operational experience.
Public and Private Firms Secure Major Contracts
Among public sector companies, Munitions India Limited emerged as a major winner. The company secured contracts worth around ₹500 crore for loitering munitions, marking a significant achievement for the defence PSU.
In the private sector, NewSpace Research and Technologies, in partnership with SMPP Private Limited, bagged contracts worth approximately ₹725 crore for surveillance and kamikaze strike drones.
Other companies also made their mark. IdeaForge secured contracts for surveillance UAVs, while JSW won orders for drones with vertical take-off and landing capabilities, showcasing strength in advanced UAV technology.
Boost to ‘Make in India’ in Defence
This large-scale procurement underscores the Army’s confidence in India’s domestic drone ecosystem. It also aligns with the government’s broader ‘Make in India’ and defence indigenisation goals, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers while strengthening battlefield readiness.
With these new drones, the Indian Army is expected to gain a major edge in modern warfare, particularly in electronically contested environments.
