The Indian UAS market – competition reaching new heights

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Israeli UAS (unmanned aerial systems) manufactures are facing a growing competition in the potentially large Indian market.

Anil Ambani’s Reliance Defence and Aerospace group has tied up with SAAB of Sweden to bid for the ship-borne unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program of the Indian Navy, valued at ₹1,000 crore (about $160 million). Sources said the tie-up will probably mark the entry of European UAVs into the Indian market, which has hitherto been dominated by Israeli manufacturers.

Seeking to enhance its surveillance capabilities, the Indian Navy announced in January that it would hold a global competition for the procurement of 50 ‘shipborne unmanned aerial vehicles’. The latest date of submission was March 19, later extended two more weeks.

The Group’s decision to partner with SAAB was governed by the requirements outlined by the Indian Navy, another official said. According to the Times of India, the company declined to comment on the nuances of the tie-up, such as whether a royalty payout would have to be made to the Swedish firm.

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With the opening of the defense sector, foreign arms makers have been courting Indian firms. To take advantage of the situation, the Anil Ambani Group has participated in opportunities available in the sector. Sources said the Group has also received partnership offers from leading global manufacturers, including Israeli firms, for the other UAV programs.

The Indian UAV market is expected to grow to ₹ 30,000 crore (about $4.7 billion) in the next 10 years. According to the request for information issued by the Navy for this program, the UAVs should be capable of day and night operations from naval vessels 50 meters or longer, both with and without helicopter decks. It also asks for specifications relating to range, endurance, payload, launch and recovery systems.

The Anil Ambani Group has recently shown keen interest in the Defense Ministry’s Naval Utility Helicopters Program. The Group has also announced the acquisition of Pipavav Defense and Offshore Engineering Company Ltd., in order to strengthen its footprint in the Defense sector.