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News18
5 days ago
- Business
- News18
MALE Drones: How India's New Combat UAVs Stack Up Against The US Predator
Last Updated: Unlike the Predator drones ordered from the United States, which are expected only by 2029, the new MALE drones will be built in India with 60 per cent indigenous content India is ramping up its drone power, and this time, it's going local. The Defence Ministry has cleared a major proposal to acquire 87 armed Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones, as part of a wider Rs 67,000 crore defence package approved by the Defence Acquisition Council. A senior official told The Times of India that the need for these drones was felt during Operation Sindoor, India's retaliatory cross-border strikes in May following the Pahalgam terror attack. Unlike the Predator drones ordered from the United States, which are expected only by 2029, the new MALE drones will be built in India with 60 per cent indigenous content and deployed much sooner. The Rs 20,000 crore drone deal signals more than just another big-ticket defence buy; it reflects a strategic shift. India is not just procuring combat drones; it is building future warfighting capabilities tailored to its evolving security challenges. Their primary utility lies in their ability to provide long-duration intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), while also carrying out precision strikes using guided weapons. India's interest in acquiring such drones stems from their growing role in modern conflicts, from Ukraine to Gaza, where air superiority and real-time data have become critical. MALE drones are now seen as indispensable tools in border surveillance, counter-terrorism, and conventional warfare alike. What Has The Defence Ministry Approved? On August 5, 2025, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved a Rs 67,000 crore modernisation package. Of this, around Rs 20,000 crore has been earmarked for the procurement of 87 armed MALE drones. According to a senior official quoted by TOI, 'All three armed forces need these drones, which are equipped with intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance and weapon-carrying capability." The official also revealed that an additional Rs 11,000 crore would be allocated for logistical and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) support for the next 10 years. The drones will be produced under a joint venture between Indian and foreign firms, with a minimum of 60 per cent indigenous content, in line with the government's Make in India initiative. Once inducted, they are expected to carry multiple payloads, operate across varying terrains, conduct real-time ISR missions, and deliver precision strikes, all while flying at altitudes above 35,000 feet for extended durations. Why The Urgency? Lessons From Operation Sindoor India's renewed urgency around drone procurement is directly tied to Operation Sindoor, the retaliatory cross-border strikes carried out in May against terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, following the Pahalgam terror attack. During the operation, India deployed loitering munitions and kamikaze drones to target terror infrastructure. While effective, these were single-use systems. MALE drones, unlike kamikaze drones, can return after striking, making them more cost-effective over time. The ability to loiter, gather intelligence, strike, and then reposition — all within a single mission — makes them an invaluable strategic asset. How Do These Drones Compare With Predator MQ-9Bs? India had earlier signed a deal to procure 31 MQ-9B Predator drones from the United States in a deal worth over Rs 32,000 crore. These are classified as High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones and are widely used by the US military. However, delivery timelines remain long, with the first units expected no earlier than 2029 or 2030. In contrast, the indigenous MALE drones approved this month are expected to be delivered much sooner. Defence officials quoted in The Economic Times said these drones are intended to match key capabilities of the Predator while being far more cost-effective and tailored to India's unique requirements. While the Predators may offer advantages in range and satellite interoperability, India's drones will be optimised for faster integration and quicker deployment, especially along the eastern and western borders. Is India Ready To Build Armed Drones? India has already tested the waters. In January 2024, the Indian Navy and Army inducted the Drishti 10 StarLiner, a MALE drone developed through a collaboration between Adani Defence and Israeli defence firm Elbit Systems. Based on Elbit's Hermes 900 platform, the Drishti 10 can remain airborne for 36 hours, has satellite connectivity, and can carry a 450 kg payload. At the time of induction, it was reported to have 70 per cent indigenous content. The new batch of 87 drones is expected to follow a similar path, with Indian companies like HAL, Bharat Forge, L&T, Tata Advanced Systems, and Adani among the likely contenders. These projects will not only improve India's air capabilities but also help build a domestic ecosystem for high-tech military UAVs. What Else Was Cleared Under The Rs 67,000 Crore Package? The drone deal is just one part of a sweeping defence upgrade. According to ET, the DAC also cleared over 110 BrahMos air-launched missiles for the IAF's Sukhoi-30 fighters, worth around Rs 10,800 crore. The Indian Navy will receive upgraded BrahMos fire control systems and launchers for older warships, while the Barak-1 missile system will also be upgraded. The Army is set to procure thermal imager-based night sights for BMP infantry vehicles, while the Navy will acquire compact autonomous surface craft designed for anti-submarine warfare. The Air Force will benefit from specialised mountain radars and upgrades to the Israeli Spyder air defence system (called 'Saksham' in India). The package also includes long-term maintenance contracts for key platforms such as the S-400 missile system and the C-17 and C-130J aircraft fleets. Final Word top videos View all India's decision to fast-track its MALE drone programme signals a strategic pivot — from reactive acquisitions to proactive capability-building. The lessons from Operation Sindoor have underscored the need for platforms that offer persistent surveillance, precision strikes, and cross-service interoperability. With the Predator MQ-9Bs still years away, these home-built drones could become the backbone of India's ISR and strike missions in the near term. More importantly, the deal strengthens India's push for defence self-reliance not just in drones, but across a range of modern battlefield technologies. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk More Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : drones india Operation Sindoor US drones view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 07, 2025, 10:55 IST News explainers MALE Drones: How India's New Combat UAVs Stack Up Against The US Predator Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. 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Hans India
5 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
India and Philippines broaden deepen ties with an eye on China
India's growing engagement with Philippines marks a substantive milestone in its regional diplomacy and defence outreach, one that promises wide-ranging strategic and economic ramifications. The relationship between the two nations has now been elevated to a strategic partnership, signalling a clear intent to broaden cooperation beyond traditional areas and anchor it firmly in the realms of defence, maritime security, and emerging technologies. The upgrade manifested itself during Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's visit to Delhi, where he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held comprehensive discussions that were aimed at shaping the future of bilateral ties. The leaders reviewed the state of the relationship across multiple domains and agreed to prioritise defence and maritime collaboration, a natural outcome of their shared concerns about the evolving security environment in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the South China Sea. Both countries, which have consistently championed the principles of a rules-based order, see greater synergy in addressing common challenges that stem from rising assertiveness in regional waters. Both feel threatened by China. A significant part of the dialogue centred on weapons procurement and joint military exercises. India, which has rapidly expanded its defence production capacity in recent years, is positioning itself as a credible partner to meet the modernisation needs of Philippines. The two discussed prospects for joint naval drills and closer operational coordination between their armed forces, reflecting a shift towards deeper interoperability. The visit also coincided with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, adding symbolic weight to the substantive agreements under discussion. Looking ahead, six new agreements are set to be finalised, covering areas such as trade facilitation, digital transformation, and developmental cooperation. India has committed to expanding its development projects in the Philippines, with a particular focus on infrastructure, healthcare, and education, while also exploring ways to boost bilateral trade, which remains well below potential. Digital cooperation is emerging as a promising frontier, with India offering its expertise in fintech, e-governance and start-up ecosystems to complement Philippines' growing digital economy. Parallel to these diplomatic advances, India is undertaking a major upgrade of its own defence capabilities. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) recently cleared modernisation proposals worth Rs 67,000 crore, underscoring New Delhi's resolve to strengthen its military posture while promoting indigenous production. Among the headline approvals are the procurement of 87 armed Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones and over 110 BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. The MALE drones, designed for long-endurance surveillance and precision strikes, will be produced with 60 per cent indigenous content, aligning with India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. These drones are intended to significantly enhance the capabilities of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, offering greater situational awareness and operational flexibility across India's vast and diverse theatres of operation. The BrahMos missiles, to be deployed on Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets, will provide a substantial boost to the Indian Air Force's strike power, particularly in maritime roles where long-range precision capability is critical. Together, these steps reflect a broader strategic vision: India is not merely strengthening its defence for deterrence but also positioning itself as a reliable security provider and defence partner in the Indo-Pacific. Its growing collaboration with the Philippines fits squarely within this framework, as New Delhi seeks to build resilient networks of likeminded countries to ensure regional stability and uphold the principles of sovereignty and freedom of navigation.
The Hindu
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Government fast-tracks procurement of MALE class drones to enhance border surveillance
In a bid to enhance surveillance along its sea and land borders, India has accelerated the procurement of 87 Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones from local manufacturers. The move is aimed at bolstering real-time monitoring and operational readiness across critical areas. A source close to the project said that the drones worth over ₹20,000 crore will be procured under the Make In India initiative. The aim is to promote indigenously developed drone technology and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. The project is in its final stage before it is placed before a high-level committee of the Defence Ministry for clearance. There are several private defence manufacturers involved in drone design and development who have shown interest in the project. Trials were held to determine that designs and proposals matched the requirements of the military. Enhance surveillance The MALE class drones will be equipped with advanced surveillance and combat capabilities: including real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) in all kinds of terrain. It should have the capability to fly over 30 hours at a maximum altitude of at least 35,000 feet. The essential requirement is that it should be 60% indigenous, said an official. The official added that it was the first time Indian manufacturers have been asked to supply MALE drones. An Israeli company had been supplying these drones previously. 'The induction of MALE class drones will enhance the surveillance capabilities of all three services, especially the Indian Air Force to monitor the Eastern and Western Border,' the official added.
