87 MALE Drones will Wreak Havoc; the Defence Ministry's 30,000 Crore Plan

87 MALE Drones will Wreak Havoc; the Defence Ministry's 30,000 Crore Plan

The Indian Army, positioned around the clock to make India's borders impregnable, will receive a major boost in its strength. This will not only suit modern warfare conditions but also modernize the army's entire fleet. The Indian Defence Ministry is preparing to launch a major revolution in the country's drone manufacturing sector. The Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone program has now entered an important phase, aiming to improve instantaneous surveillance and intelligence along the land and maritime borders with China and Pakistan. The Defence Acquisition Council has accepted the acquisition of 87 indigenous MALE drones, which will cost about INR 30,000 crore.

How Will the Purchase be Conducted?

The most significant aspect of this major procurement is that the contract will be divided between two competing Indian firms in a 64:36 ratio. This essentially means that two separate and independent manufacturing units for MALE drones will be established in India, increasing production speed and enabling faster fulfilment of future orders. The armed forces will soon seek expressions of interest from Indian companies, following which extensive testing will be conducted.

What is the Ministry of Defence's Plan?

The Ministry of Defence has issued specific guidelines for this ambitious project, emphasizing the importance of indigenization. The total order, worth over ₹30,000 crore, will be divided between the two lowest bidders. The prime contractor will receive 64 per cent, and the other 36 per cent.

As such, the selected companies will be required to manufacture the airframe and primary components locally. The engines will also be assembled and tested in India. At least 60 percent of the content must be indigenous.

What is the Speciality of MALE Drones?

These drones will act as a force multiplier for the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy, significantly enhancing India's combat capability. These MALE drones will be capable of performing a variety of tasks, including intelligence (ISR), surveillance, reconnaissance missions, electronic warfare, and precision strike.

Furthermore, these drones will be designed to fly for over 30 hours at altitudes exceeding 35,000 feet, enabling them to conduct continuous surveillance over long distances. India has previously procured MALE drones from foreign suppliers, such as Israel. The feat of this indigenous program will reduce foreign dependence.

Source: Zee News