India's ₹30,000 Crore MALE Drone Procurement Nears RFQ Stage
India is set to procure 87 indigenous Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones valued at over ₹30,000 crore. The deal supports the country's defense manufacturing ecosystem and enhances tri-service operational capabilities.
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The Defence Acquisition Council of India approved a procurement plan for 87 MALE drones in August 2025, with a project value between ₹30,000 and ₹32,350 crore, aimed for delivery around 2029-2030. The contract will split between two Indian companies in a 64:36 ratio, fostering competition and ensuring supply chain redundancy.
The drones will enhance intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strike capabilities for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Each drone is designed to operate at altitudes above 30,000-35,000 feet with an endurance of over 24-30 hours.
This initiative, aligned with India's Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, mandates at least 60% indigenous content, promoting local production and reducing foreign reliance. Industry analysts predict a future demand of up to 350 units, reflecting the increasing integration of UAVs in military operations. The program comes amid escalating regional security challenges.
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