Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) and Nibe Limited have emerged as the lowest bidders in the Indian Army’s tender to procure 840 loitering munitions with a strike range of more than 100 kilometres. The project is estimated to be worth around ₹1,600 crore.
According to defence sources, Tata Advanced Systems has emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) and is expected to receive around 64 per cent of the order. Nibe Limited, the second-lowest bidder (L2), is likely to supply the remaining 36 per cent.
Based on the proposed allocation, Tata Advanced Systems could secure contracts worth nearly ₹1,000 crore, while Nibe Limited’s share is expected to be around ₹600 crore.
The Indian Army recently opened the financial bids for the fast-track procurement programme. Three companies had qualified during the technical evaluation stage—Tata Advanced Systems, Nibe Limited with its Vayuastra system based on the SkyStriker drone, and A-Vision.
The Army is now expected to begin price negotiations with the L1 and L2 bidders before awarding the contract.
The procurement is part of the Indian Army’s broader effort to strengthen its drone warfare capabilities. The Regiment of Artillery has already been modernised with dedicated drone batteries and specialised regiments. The Shaktibaan regiments have been created exclusively for drone operations, while Bhairav battalions have also been equipped with drones for precision strike missions.
The Army plans to procure nearly one lakh drones for a variety of operational roles. Over the next 12 to 18 months, the Artillery Directorate is expected to induct drones with operational ranges between 50 km and 1,000 km through fast-track acquisition programmes.
In addition, the Army is preparing a separate tender to procure 36 jet-powered drones worth around ₹1,500 crore, with the contract also expected to be shared between the L1 and L2 bidders.
