SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a strategic move to modernize its logistical capabilities, the Indian Army has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the procurement of Logistic Drones tailored for medium and high-altitude operations. This dual RFI, targeting Logistic Drones (Medium Altitude) and Logistic Drones (High Altitude) along with their accessories, aims to finalize Service Qualitative Requirements (SQRs), determine procurement categories, and identify capable Indian vendors. The Army has set an ambitious timeline, expecting delivery within two years of the contract award, aligning the initiative with the “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” programs to bolster indigenous defense manufacturing.
The RFI reflects the Army’s recognition of drones as a game-changer for logistics in the challenging terrains along India’s northern borders, including Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. These regions, marked by rugged mountains and extreme weather, pose significant hurdles to traditional supply chains, particularly for forward posts in remote areas. The drones are envisioned as a solution to provide an “operational logistic surge,” ensuring timely delivery of critical supplies to troops stationed at altitudes of up to 3,000 meters for medium-altitude variants and up to 5,000 meters for high-altitude models.
The Logistic Drone (Medium Altitude) is designed to operate in mountainous terrain up to 3,000 meters, catering to the environmental conditions prevalent along India’s northern frontiers. The Army requires these drones to function effectively day and night, even in commonly encountered weather challenges such as dust, ensuring reliability across seasons. Modularity is a key feature, with the design expected to accommodate future upgrades through simple modifications without necessitating structural overhauls. This adaptability will also facilitate seamless integration of accessories and subsystems without compromising performance.
These drones will play a pivotal role in supporting forward posts, where conventional transport methods like mules or helicopters are often constrained by terrain, weather, or cost. By delivering supplies such as food, medical kits, and ammunition, the medium-altitude drones will enhance operational efficiency and troop sustenance in areas like the Siachen foothills or Arunachal’s high ridges.
The Logistic Drone (High Altitude) takes the requirements a step further, targeting operations in mountainous terrain up to 5,000 meters. This capability is critical for regions like Ladakh, where posts along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) sit at extreme altitudes and face harsh climatic conditions. Like its medium-altitude counterpart, the high-altitude drone must operate day and night, shrugging off dust and other environmental factors. It too must feature a modular design, ensuring longevity and upgradability without major redesigns, while maintaining the integrity of its systems.
The high-altitude drone addresses the unique logistical demands of ultra-high elevations, where oxygen levels are low, temperatures plummet, and air density affects flight performance. Its deployment will be a lifeline for troops in isolated outposts, reducing reliance on risky airdrops or overextended ground convoys.
By categorizing this procurement under Chapter-II of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, the Army is prioritizing Indian vendors, signaling a shift toward self-reliance in defense technology. The RFI invites OEMs and authorized vendors to submit detailed proposals on their offerings, including technical specifications, production timelines, and compliance with the outlined operational needs. This initiative not only aims to meet immediate logistical demands but also to foster a domestic ecosystem for drone manufacturing, potentially positioning India as a hub for military-grade UAVs.
The deployment of logistic drones in medium and high-altitude zones comes at a time of heightened focus on India’s northern borders, where tensions with China and Pakistan underscore the need for robust supply lines. Traditional logistics in these areas are slow and vulnerable—roads can be snowbound, helicopters weather-dependent, and pack animals limited in capacity. Drones, with their ability to bypass terrain obstacles and deliver payloads swiftly, offer a transformative solution, enhancing both responsiveness and resilience.
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