Some of India’s biggest defence manufacturers, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Tata Advanced Systems, Adani Defence & Aerospace and Larsen & Toubro, are among the contenders for a proposed ₹30,000 crore unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programme for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The ambitious project is aimed at strengthening India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities while enhancing the Air Force’s surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat preparedness.
According to reports, the programme involves the acquisition of advanced high-altitude, long-endurance drones capable of carrying out intelligence gathering, target tracking, and strategic missions over extended periods.
The competition reflects the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare, as militaries around the world increasingly rely on drones for surveillance, border monitoring, and precision operations.
The proposed procurement is expected to provide a major boost to India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem and aligns with the government’s push for self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Industry experts believe the contract could become one of the largest UAV programmes undertaken by the Indian Air Force, creating significant opportunities for domestic aerospace and defence companies while accelerating technological innovation in the sector.
The final selection process is expected to evaluate technological capabilities, operational performance, indigenous content, and long-term support requirements before the contract is awarded.
