Image Source: Swarajya
In a decisive move to enhance its battlefield edge, the Indian Army has signed contracts worth ₹295 crore with domestic firms for the rapid supply of advanced loitering munitions and surveillance drones. This procurement, executed under emergency powers following Operation Sindoor, highlights India’s push for indigenous, hightech solutions to meet urgent operational needs and counter emerging threats.
Major Contracts Awarded:
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₹158 crore to Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd. for 450 Nagastra1R loitering munitions (kamikaze drones).
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₹137 crore to ideaForge Technology for hybrid miniUAVs designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
Nagastra1R Loitering Munitions:
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Capable of precision strikes with GPSenabled targeting (2meter accuracy).
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Equipped with 360degree gimbal and thermal cameras for daynight operations.
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Features encrypted communications and a reusable launcher system.
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Can operate at altitudes above 4,500 meters and loiter for up to an hour.
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Unique recovery mechanism allows safe return and reuse if mission is aborted.
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Over 80% indigenous components, reinforcing the MakeinIndia initiative.
ideaForge Hybrid MiniUAVs:
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Fixedwing VTOL (Vertical TakeOff and Landing) drones, optimized for rapid deployment in complex terrains.
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Battletested during Operation Sindoor for live ISR operations.
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Passed stringent security and supply chain checks, with all critical subsystems sourced from nonbordersharing nations.
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Certified “Fit for Indian Military Use” by DGQA, ensuring operational resilience and reliability.
Strategic Context:
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These acquisitions are part of a broader emergency procurement drive (₹2,000 crore sanctioned), aiming to quickly bridge capability gaps in counterterrorism and border operations after recent hostilities with Pakistan.
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Orders must be fulfilled within 12 months, ensuring rapid induction of cuttingedge technology.
Why It Matters
This procurement marks a significant leap in India’s military modernization, prioritizing homegrown, secure, and combatproven systems. The new drones and loitering munitions will bolster the Army’s precision strike and surveillance capabilities, particularly in highaltitude and contested border regions, while reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.
Source: Times of India, ThePrint, Hindustan Times, The Hindu Business Line, Economic Times, Dronelife, PIB
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