SOURCE: AFI
Indian Army issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the procurement of Nano Drones, marking a strategic move to enhance its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. These drones, weighing a mere 250 grams, are specified to have an operational range of 2 kilometers and an endurance of 30 minutes, making them ideal for tactical missions in challenging environments.
The RFI aligns with the Army’s ongoing efforts to modernize its arsenal under the “Buy (Indian)” category, emphasizing indigenous development as part of the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. The lightweight drones are expected to support special missions, including counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, and border security operations along the Line of Control (LoC) and Line of Actual Control (LAC). Equipped with GPS-aided and vision-aided navigation, these nano drones can operate in GPS-denied areas, ensuring versatility in diverse combat scenarios.
This procurement follows a similar RFI in 2023, where the Army sought 850 nano drones with identical specifications, indicating a consistent demand for such systems. The drones’ compact size and ability to provide real-time situational awareness could reduce risks to soldiers during reconnaissance missions, a critical need highlighted by past operations like the 2023 counter-terrorism efforts in Jammu and Kashmir.
While the initiative underscores India’s push for self-reliance, the stringent weight and performance requirements may pose challenges for domestic manufacturers. Companies like Raphe Mphibr Pvt. Ltd., which developed the Short quadcopter, have come close but often exceed the 250-gram limit. The Army’s focus on nano drones also reflects global trends, where small, agile systems like the Black Hornet Nano—already used by Indian Special Forces—have proven effective in modern warfare.
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