India to Buy 97 MALE Drones Under Make in India : Strengthening Border Surveillance and Unmanned Combat Capabilities.

India to Buy 97 MALE Drones Under Make in India : Strengthening Border Surveillance and Unmanned Combat Capabilities. 

In a significant stride towards enhancing its aerial surveillance and defense capabilities, India is set to acquire 97 medium-category and long-endurance drones under the 'Make in India' program. The procurement, which is valued at over Rs 10,000 crore ($ 1.2 Billion) , will play a crucial role in bolstering border surveillance along the India and China borders, fulfilling medium and long-range surveillance necessities.

Strengthening Border Surveillance

The decision to purchase 97 'Made-in-India' Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones is a significant development in India's indigenous drone development program. These versatile drones will conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions over both land and sea borders, providing the Indian Armed Forces with vital situational awareness and intelligence-gathering capabilities.

The acquisition process follows a similar model adopted during the purchase of 31 Predator drones. The analysis conducted by the Indian defense forces determined the need for 97 drones, and the Air Force will be the lead of the program, receiving over 40 of these advanced UAVs.

Make in India Initiative

The 'Make in India' initiative of the Union government has been given a major boost with this acquisition plan. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will be manufacturing all 97 drones domestically. This move aligns with the government's vision of fostering indigenous production and reducing dependence on foreign imports.

Unmanned Combat Capabilities

Apart from surveillance missions, drones will also contribute to India's unmanned combat capabilities. The armed forces will have the advantage of deploying these advanced drones for strategic operations, providing them with an edge in modern warfare scenarios.

Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones, with their ability to fly at medium altitudes for extended periods, have a wide range of applications across various industries. Some common applications of MALE drones include:

1. Military Surveillance: MALE drones are extensively used for military reconnaissance and intelligence gathering missions. They can provide real-time aerial surveillance of enemy territory, monitor border areas, and conduct reconnaissance in hostile regions without putting human pilots at risk.

2. Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR): Apart from military applications, MALE drones are utilized for civil and law enforcement ISR missions. They help monitor critical infrastructure, track criminal activities, and support disaster management operations.

3. Border Security: Governments use MALE drones to enhance border security by monitoring border crossings, detecting illegal activities, and preventing smuggling and human trafficking.

4. Search and Rescue: MALE drones equipped with thermal cameras and other sensors aid search and rescue operations. They can cover vast areas and locate missing persons or victims in emergency situations.

5. Communications and Connectivity: MALE drones can act as flying cell towers or airborne relay stations in remote or disaster-stricken regions, providing temporary communication and connectivity support.

Complementing the MQ-9B Reaper Drones

This acquisition complements India's recent deal to acquire 31 MQ-9B Sea and Sky Guardian drones from the United States. While the MQ-9B Reapers will be deployed for patrolling land borders opposite Pakistan and China, the 'Made-in-India' drones will further enhance surveillance over these sensitive areas and bolster India's defenses.