Indian Army Issues RFI for Ground-Based Counter Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS)

Published May 30, 2025 | By admin

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

On May 29, 2025, the Indian Army, under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, released a Request for Information (RFI) for the procurement of Ground-Based Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) as part of the Defence Acquisition Procedure-2020 (DAP-2020). This RFI seeks to identify capable Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), authorized vendors, and government-sponsored export agencies to supply advanced, integrated systems designed to detect, track, and neutralize hostile drones in real-time. The initiative highlights India’s strategic focus on countering the escalating threat of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in tactical operations and critical infrastructure defense, aligning with the nation’s push for indigenous defense capabilities.

The Ground-Based C-UAS is engineered to provide robust protection against aerial threats by detecting, classifying, and neutralizing hostile drones, enhancing battlefield survivability and operational security. With drones increasingly utilized for surveillance, reconnaissance, and attacks in modern warfare, this system integrates multiple sensors and engagement mechanisms to address diverse threat scenarios. The RFI emphasizes deployment in varied terrains, including high-altitude areas up to 14,500 feet, plains, deserts, and marshy regions, ensuring operational versatility across India’s diverse landscapes.

The RFI sets a tentative timeline for issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) in December 2025, with vendors expected to deliver initial quantities within 12 months of contract signing. Prioritizing indigenous design, development, and manufacturing (IDDM) under the Buy (Indian) category, the procurement requires a minimum of 50% indigenous content, supporting India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative to foster self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

Operational and Technical Specifications

The Ground-Based C-UAS is an advanced, networked system comprising multiple subsystems for detection, tracking, and engagement, supported by a command-and-control station and a robust power distribution system. Key components and specifications include:

Detection and Tracking System:
- Wideband RF Detector:
  - Frequency Range: 100–8000 MHz, covering ISM and non-ISM bands (excluding telecom and licensed bands).
  - Detection Range: Above 3 km for micro drones (+26 dBm), 5 km for mini drones (+30 dBm), and 8 km for small drones (+36 dBm).
  - Features: 80 dB dynamic range, 100 MHz instantaneous bandwidth, 5-degree RMS Direction of Arrival (DOA) accuracy, and 360° azimuth with 90° elevation coverage. Includes a user-extendable threat library with 1,000 records and look-through mode for frequency-switching drones.
- Radar:
  - Type: Rotating 3D or AESA radar operating in X-band with 200 MHz total operational bandwidth.
  - Detection Range: 3 km for micro drones (0.01 m² RCS) and 5 km for mini/small drones (0.1 m² RCS).
  - Features: 360° azimuth and 0–90° elevation coverage, 20 m range accuracy, and simultaneous tracking of up to 25 targets.
- EO/IR Camera:
  - Specifications: Visible camera with 2-MP CMOS sensor, thermal camera with 640×512 cooled MCT sensor, and 360° pan with -10° to +90° tilt.
  - Detection Ranges: 1.2 km (micro), 1.5 km (mini), and 3 km (small) for detection, with recognition at 800 m, 1.2 km, and 2.2 km, respectively.
  - Features: Auto-tracking, day/night operation, and coaxial mounting with RCWS for hard-kill engagement.
Hard Kill System:
- Remote-Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS):
  - Compatibility: Supports in-service 7.62 mm MMG or Negev LMG, with a weight under 85 kg (gun servo <45 kg, base ~40 kg).
  - Coverage: Continuous 360° azimuth and -30° to +65° elevation.
  - Features: Stabilized platform, autonomous target tracking, and integration with detection systems for precise engagement.
- Anti-Drone Swarm System:
  - Specifications: Minimum 10 aerial interception drones per system, each with 200 g pre-fragmented explosive payload, effective up to 5 km.
  - Features: Autonomous or swarm operation, target detection and locking, and geofencing for safety. Drones can be recalled or disarmed, with secure communication to prevent hijacking.
Soft Kill System (Wideband Cyber Electromagnetic Transmitter – CEMT):
- Frequency Range: 100–8000 MHz, with omnidirectional and unidirectional antenna options.
- Jamming Range: 2 km, with a 1:1 drone-to-jammer distance ratio.
- Capabilities: Jamming, spoofing, metadata injection, and fault injection across GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, IRNSS) and RF links, with simultaneous multi-band jamming (150 MHz bandwidth, 100 W output).
- Features: User-defined frequency spots, modes (spot, barrage, follow-on), and safety filters to avoid friendly frequency interference.
Command and Control (C2) Station:
- Specifications: Laptop-based with Intel i7 processor, 16 GB RAM, 2 TB memory, and Linux/Windows OS.
- Features: Integrates RF, radar, EO/IR, and engagement data, with GIS-enabled real-time tracking, touchscreen interface, and multi-level authentication for security.
Power Distribution System:
- Components: Main AC supply, generator, and UPS with 2-hour backup, connected via 100 m cables.
- Features: Automatic switching between power sources, overload protection, and fuel-efficient generator for sustained operation.
Transportability and Deployment:
- Transport: System fits in 6–8 containers (each <40 kg) on a 2.5-ton truck.
- Deployment Time: Under 30 minutes for setup and disassembly.
- Environmental Compliance: Meets JSS 55555 and MIL-STD-461F standards for extreme conditions.
Training System:
- Simulator: Simulates all subsystems without operational activation, offering realistic scenarios, interactive dashboards, and performance evaluation.
- Features: Supports basic, advanced, and emergency training, with options for AR/VR integration and remote updates.

The Ground-Based C-UAS procurement reflects the Indian Army’s proactive stance against the growing drone threat, critical for protecting military bases, urban areas, and critical infrastructure. By integrating advanced detection (RF, radar, EO/IR) with both soft-kill (CEMT) and hard-kill (RCWS, swarm drones) capabilities, the system offers a layered defense against single drones, swarms, and high-value targets. Its GIS-enabled interface and AI-driven threat prioritization enhance situational awareness and operational efficiency.

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