Indian MALE Drones for IAF: India is moving ahead with a huge drone plan for the Indian Air Force. Around 10 Indian defence firms have already put in bids for the 87 Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) drones project, which is worth more than ₹30,000 crore. The names in the race include HAL, Tata Advanced Systems, Larsen & Toubro, Adani Defence Systems, Solar Defence and Aerospace, and Raphe mPhibr. The bidding deadline was 16 June 2026. Reuters also reported that India is preparing one of its biggest military drone buys ever, with more than $2 billion expected to go to domestic companies.
GDELS to Showcase Pandur GBAD and Counter-UAS Systems at Eurosatory 2026
Why the Project Matters
This deal is not just about buying drones. It is also about building a strong Indian drone industry. The project was cleared in August 2025 under the Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured (IDDM) category. Reports say the final order may be shared between two companies in a 64:36 split so that India can have two production lines instead of one. That kind of setup can help if supply chains face trouble later. The same reports say the first plan is for 87 drones, but the demand could rise to 350 units in the future.
What These Drones Will Do
These MALE drones are meant to be eyes in the sky for a long time. They are expected to carry real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) tools. They may also use synthetic aperture radar, electro-optical payloads, secure communication links, and satellite communication systems. Plans also exist to connect them with Indian missile systems so they can do precision strike work too. That means they can watch an area and also hit important targets when needed.
INS Tarkash Escorts Seychelles Coast Guard Vessel Zoroaster Home
India wants better watching power along the borders with Pakistan and China, especially in places like Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. The Indian Ocean is another big area where these drones can help with sea watching and long patrols. Reuters reported that global conflicts and regional tensions have pushed India to speed up drone buying, while the Indian industry is growing fast and trying to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
