India To Issue ₹30,000 Crore Tender For 87 MALE Drones: Report

India is preparing to issue a ₹30,000 crore tender to procure 87 long-range Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones for the armed forces, as per The Economic Times reports. The plan covers the Army, Navy, and Air Force, aiming to upgrade surveillance and reconnaissance operations across different terrains.

Tender Scope

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) will invite bids only from Indian companies. The idea is to expand domestic manufacturing in unmanned aerial systems. Despite the local focus, several Indian firms have already tied up with foreign defence manufacturers such as Israel’s Elbit Systems and the US-based General Atomics to offer existing platforms suited for Indian requirements.

Production Rules

The tender requires that at least half of the total content be produced locally. Companies must manufacture major parts, including aerostructures, engines, electro-optical sensors, and satellite communication systems, in India. The plan also includes integrating Indian navigation and communication systems to reduce reliance on imported components.

Testing & Timelines

Field trials for the selected drones are to begin within six months of the tender being issued. The short testing period could make it easier for firms with established designs to participate compared to those still developing new models. The project will involve setting up local assembly and production facilities through joint ventures.

Contract Structure

The MoD plans to divide the final order between two bidders. The lowest bidder will get 64% of the order, and the second-lowest will receive 36%. Both will also handle maintenance and support for ten years. This approach is intended to maintain competition and ensure long-term service capacity within India.

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Conclusion

The upcoming tender is part of a plan to increase domestic production in defence equipment. It is seen as a step toward reducing dependence on imported drones while improving India’s overall military capability through sustained local manufacturing.

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