India Is Looking For More Drones to Monitor Borders
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It is already common knowledge that Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are taking up a significant role in the defense plans of many countries. In the past, perhaps, these robotic flying machines were used solely by advanced, rich countries, today the advancements in technology and the competitive market allow for many countries to implement drones into their defense scheme, making them a common sight for maritime, land, and border control. Even large country must protect their borders and critical sea lanes, and India is no different – especially when it borders with Pakistan and China – not the most peaceful of borders.
India’s Directorate General of Infantry has issued a request for information (RFI) for 600 mini-UAVs.
The requirements for these mini-UAVs must include a man-portable ground control station; launch and recovery systems where required; three sets of sensor packages with an all-weather day and night capability; two-way data relay (including beyond-line-of-sight control of the UAV); spare batteries for theUAVs and battery chargers.
The initial RFI requires that manufacturers bidding for the Indian UAV contract must co-develop their offering with a partnered Indian company, in line with New Delhi’s new “Make in India” initiative, a drive to boost India’s domestic manufacturing base in defense and other sectors.
The Indian military has been operating the Israeli Searcher and Heron drones for some time, but Israel’s drones face some competition.
Currently, two Israeli firms, Aeronautics and Elbit Systems, and two U.S. firms, Boeing and AeroVironment, will be responding to the RFI.
Elbit might team with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). Boeing, which is expected to offer the Scan Eagle, is partnered with Tata Advanced Systems. AeroVironment, meanwhile, announced a UAV partnership with Dynamatic Technologies—the companies are co-developing the Cheel UAV, a “pathfinder project” under the U.S.-India Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI). Aeronautics has reportedly yet to find an Indian partner.
