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SOURCE: AFI

In a strategic move to enhance its maritime surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, the Indian Navy has expressed a keen interest in procuring additional Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), emphasizing the need for locally developed solutions. This push comes as the Navy looks to reduce the operational burden on its Boeing P-8I Poseidon fleet, which has been pivotal in monitoring the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

The Navy’s desire for MALE UAVs stems from a need for sustained surveillance over large maritime areas without over-relying on its P8I aircraft, which, while highly capable, come with significant operational costs and maintenance demands.

MALE UAVs can provide continuous coverage over areas of interest, which is crucial for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and intelligence gathering. They can loiter for extended periods, something manned aircraft cannot do as effectively.

Operating UAVs is generally less expensive than manned aircraft, especially in terms of fuel consumption and crew requirements. This could mean more hours of surveillance at a lower cost. By focusing on locally developed UAVs, the Navy aligns with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, promoting self-reliance in defense manufacturing. This not only supports local industry but also ensures that the technology meets specific operational demands of the Indian military.

The acquisition of MQ-9B drones will significantly boost the Navy’s ISR capabilities, providing an eye in the sky for extended periods. However, these drones are more aligned with missions requiring high-altitude surveillance. The Navy has outlined a requirement for about 155 MALE UAVs across all three services, indicating a broader strategy to enhance aerial surveillance at different operational altitudes. The MALE category is seen as complementary to both the P8I and the MQ-9B, filling gaps in medium-altitude, medium-range operations.

Tapas MALE UAV Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Tapas UAV is one of the candidates for fulfilling this requirement. However, it has struggled to meet the Navy’s performance expectations, particularly in endurance and altitude.

Drishti 10 Starliner Another local endeavour by Adani Defence and Aerospace, based on the Israeli Hermes 900, has shown promise, but recent incidents like the crash during trials have raised reliability concerns.

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