India Set to Bolster Border Security with 87 Indigenous MALE Drones Under ₹20,000 Crore Defense Push

National News: In a strategic move to enhance the surveillance and security of India’s land and maritime borders, the central government has accelerated the procurement of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones. As part of this initiative, 87 advanced drones will be sourced from Indian private sector companies, giving a significant boost to the ‘Make in India’ campaign in the defense sector.

₹20,000 Crore Investment with Focus on Indigenous Manufacturing

Sources in the Ministry of Defence confirm that the estimated cost of this project stands at ₹20,000 crore, and a key mandate of the deal is that at least 60% of the components must be manufactured domestically. This measure aims to reduce India’s reliance on foreign defense imports and to foster innovation and growth within the country’s indigenous defense ecosystem.

From Importing Israeli Drones to Building Domestically

Until now, the Indian armed forces have largely depended on Israeli-made drones for long-endurance surveillance operations. This marks the first large-scale opportunity for Indian companies to design, build, and deliver cutting-edge MALE drones, a step seen as a significant leap toward self-reliance in critical military technology.

Equipped with Advanced Combat and Surveillance Capabilities

These drones will feature state-of-the-art ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) systems and combat-ready payloads, capable of operating effectively in diverse terrains and climatic conditions. Notably, each drone will be able to fly for over 30 hours at altitudes of up to 35,000 feet, offering persistent and wide-area coverage. Prior to procurement, all drone models have undergone stringent technical trials to ensure compatibility with the Indian military's operational requirements.

Tri-Services to Gain Strategic Edge

Defense insiders indicate that the induction of these MALE drones will significantly enhance the situational awareness and surveillance capacity of all three military branches—Army, Navy, and Air Force. The Indian Air Force, in particular, is expected to benefit immensely by strengthening real-time monitoring across the eastern and western frontiers, where constant vigilance is critical.

Awaiting Final Clearance, Deployment Likely Soon

The proposal is currently under review by the Ministry of Defence’s high-powered committee. Once the green light is given, the procurement process will commence, marking a new era in India’s drone warfare and surveillance capabilities. With this development, India's borders are set to become significantly more secure and technologically fortified.