Defence Ministry Approved Rs 30,000 Cr For UAV Manufacturing In Inida

The defence ministry's recent approval of a Rs 30,000 crore contract for long-range drones is set to revolutionize the UAV manufacturing sector in India. This is approved for the procurement of 87 Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones procured from only India.

This giant domestic program will improve the country’s defence capabilities, create a self-reliant Indian defence industry, and make India an advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) exporter.

The contract will be shared by two Indian companies, with a ratio of 64:36, with the lead contractor receiving the larger share. The separate contractors will establish dedicated production facilities and move the project from R&D to manufacturing and to the future ability to scale for the domestic and global market.

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These drones will be deployed for missions like reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and precision munitions, improving the operational capacity of the Indian military.

A major part of the initiative is to focus on indigenous production. The drones' aerostructures, engines (assembled and tested), electro-optical payloads, satellite communications, etc., must be produced in India.

This will lead to a reliable, secure supply which will reduce reliance on foreign for defence acquisitions. The armed forces are expected to soon issue an expression of interest to Indian companies, followed by trials, with commercial negotiations, to finalize the contracting process.

This deal marks a pivotal step toward modernizing India’s defense infrastructure and fostering innovation in the UAV sector. By prioritizing local manufacturing, the project not only bolsters national security but also supports economic growth and job creation. It positions India to become a competitive player in the global drone market.