The Indian Armed Forces will acquire 97 drones under the ‘Made-in-India’ scheme for surveillance along the China and Pakistan borders.
Official sources said on Monday that, after signing a deal to purchase 31 Predator drones from the US recently, India will now acquire these 97 high-capability indigenously made drones.
Overview
A joint defence force study concluded that the Indian forces would require 97 drones to keep an eye on both land and sea territories.
The drones will help India to meet the Medium Altitude Long Endurance requirements.
India to acquire 97 'Made-in-India' drones for over Rs 10,000 crore to keep an eye on China, Pak borders
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) July 17, 2023
Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/cvUaIn0RGV#India #MadeInIndia #Drones #China #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/V1xkyQqmnu
Indian Air Force (IAF) would be the lead service for the procurement, which is estimated to cost Rs 10,000 crores (~$1.2 billion)
The IAF will get the highest number of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) that can fly for close to 30 hours at a stretch.
Upgrade of Existing Fleet
The procurement of these drones will be in addition to the extant fleet of 46 Heron UAVs that the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force have acquired over the years.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited will upgrade the UAVs already in service in partnership with the original equipment manufacturers via the ‘Make-in-India’ route.
The manufacturers will be bound to use over 60 per cent Indian parts.
India to acquire 97 'Made-in-India' drones for over Rs 10,000 crore to keep an eye on China, Pak borders
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) July 17, 2023
Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/cvUaIn0RGV#India #MadeInIndia #Drones #China #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/V1xkyQqmnu
Surveillance Along Borders
India is augmenting its defence arsenal and increasing surveillance along its borders as relations with Pakistan and China remain tense.
The South Asian superpower recently signed defence deals with France and the US to help strengthen its defence forces.
Tensions between China and India have continued to worsen, and both countries are undertaking several infrastructure projects along the border to bolster their respective national security.
Not only does China have an established presence in the Aksai Chin region with increased troop presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), but it is also helping Pakistan by providing it with infrastructure support along the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan.
In light of the present situation, the upcoming drone deal would be another attempt by India to strengthen defences along the border.