Video: India Poised To Finalise $3 Billion MALE Drone Deal

India’s Defence Acquisition Council has approved a ₹30,000 crore proposal to procure 87 medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) drones, enhancing surveillance and strike capabilities along its borders. The tender, set to be issued this week, will involve only Indian firms to promote self-reliance under the Make in India initiative, with field trials expected within six months.

The contract will be divided 64:36 between the two lowest bidders, requiring parallel production lines and 10-year maintenance support. Partnerships are key—Larsen & Toubro is collaborating with General Atomics for the MQ-9 Reaper, while Adani Defence has tied up with Elbit Systems for the Hermes 900. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited will field its indigenous TAPAS UAV, though technical delays persist.

All proposals mandate over 50% local content and technology transfer, with 20% of offsets channelled into AI and propulsion R&D. The acquisition aims to strengthen India’s aerial surveillance, reduce pilot risks, and position the country as a future UAV exporter by 2030.