Armed Forces Order Drones And Munitions Worth ₹295 Crore From Domestic Private Firms

As part of efforts to rebuild and replenish stocks after Operation Sindoor, the Indian Armed Forces have placed fresh orders for loitering munitions and mini surveillance drones.

The two contracts, worth a combined ₹295 crore, have been awarded to domestic private sector companies.

The military is making these acquisitions under emergency procurement powers granted by the government. These powers aim to quickly enhance the defence capability following the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has offered 28 weapon systems to the three services for emergency procurements. These include rockets, air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, laser-guided bombs, torpedoes, and shoulder-fired missiles.

Of the two recent contracts, the Indian Army has signed one worth ₹158 crore with Nagpur-based Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd. The deal is for around 450 Nagastra-1R loitering munitions, also known as kamikaze drones.

These munitions can conduct night operations and are equipped with a 360-degree gimbal camera. They also allow for thermal imaging and come with high-precision targeting systems.

The second contract is worth ₹137 crore and has been awarded to IdeaForge Technology. It involves hybrid mini UAV systems, variants of the Switch drones that feature VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) capabilities.

These UAVs are intended for ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) missions.

Variants of both Nagastra drones and VTOL UAVs are already in use by the Army. They were extensively deployed during the cross-border hostilities with Pakistan from 7 to 10 May.

The fresh orders are part of a fast-track procurement process. All deliveries must be completed within one year. The new systems are expected to significantly enhance the Army’s surveillance and strike capabilities, particularly in high-stakes operational environments.

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