The Indian Army is now preparing to purchase indigenous loitering munition i.e. ‘suicide’ drone for precise attack deep inside the enemy. These drones can destroy enemy targets secretly without being detected.
Drones will be made through fast-track process
According to Indian Army sources, this purchase will be done under a deal worth about Rs 2,000 crore. The tender is going to be issued soon and the work will be done through fast-track process. Defense experts say that on the basis of trial, orders will be given to two Indian companies in the ratio of 60:40. After the initial deal, its number may increase manifold in the coming years.
Which companies are likely to participate?
Some big Indian companies working in the field of defense manufacturing have already provided such systems to the army. This includes companies like Tata Advanced Systems, Adani Defence, Solar Defense and Aerospace Limited and Newspace Research and Technologies. Companies like Nibe Defense, A Vision and SMPP can also participate in the bidding.
What can these drones do?
- Attacking (from short range to long range) by penetrating deep into enemy territory.
- Destroying enemy bases, posts and hideouts.
- Also used in electronic attacks like jamming (intercepting radar signals) and spoofing (sending false signals).
- Equipped with explosives, it has the ability to find targets and attack.
- The enemy does not know at first, destruction occurs suddenly.
Special drone units will also be created
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi had given the concept of ‘Eagle on Every Arm’ last year. This means that every soldier should have drone capability. Under this, special drone units are also being made. This is a big step towards self-reliant India, because now the army is increasing its reliance on indigenous technology instead of foreign weapons.
Indigenous industrial ecosystem will be created
According to sources, this order will create an indigenous industrial ecosystem so that whenever the Army needs it, Indian companies can prepare and provide such systems. This process will be completed soon, trials and orders will be done in a few months. This will further strengthen the firepower of the Indian Army against the enemy on the border.
