India is poised to significantly enhance its indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities with the announcement of a ₹30,000 crore Request for Proposal (RfP) for Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones. This development was shared by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh during the Network18 Reforms Reloaded 2025 summit in Delhi. The initiative represents a substantial step in the government’s ongoing commitment to promote self-reliance in strategic defence technologies.
The MALE-class drones are being integrated into India’s defence framework to fortify its surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike abilities, facilitating long-endurance missions along the country’s borders and in various operational theatres. Officials indicated that the magnitude of the RfP underscores the government’s intention to spur large-scale domestic production while encouraging involvement from both public and private sector entities.
Singh remarked on insights drawn from recent global conflicts, emphasizing the growing reliance on drones and missile systems in modern warfare. He pointed out that while India has historically adopted a measured approach regarding missile deployment, forthcoming conflicts would require increased stockpiling and accelerated production. This shift will necessitate the development of a diversified industrial base that includes more than just traditional state-owned defence manufacturers.
To support this initiative, the Ministry of Defence is set to maintain an annual capital expenditure of $25–30 billion over the next decade, with a significant portion—at least 75%—designated for domestic industry. Singh reiterated that, where technology readiness allows, procurement efforts will strive for full indigenous capabilities. Particular emphasis will be placed on areas such as drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), underwater drones, satellite imaging systems, and precision munitions.
Recognizing existing capacity constraints within state-run firms like Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Singh announced a strategic pivot from reserved orders to open competitive bidding. Additionally, reforms will provide targeted support for start-ups, including procurement assurances for a five-year period and streamlined capital expenditure processes anticipated by December 2025.
India’s defence budget performance has shown resilience, with the previous year’s allocations fully utilized and an expectation of complete absorption for the current fiscal year. Singh projected that projects worth ₹2–3 lakh crore will be executed this year, with sustainable budget growth anticipated at 17–18% annually over the next five years.
In terms of enhancing air combat capabilities, Singh acknowledged that while fifth-generation fighter jets may not be immediately accessible, a strategic focus on acquiring adequate numbers of 4th and 4.5 generation aircraft equipped with advanced weaponry could fill the capability gap. This would maintain deterrence until indigenous platforms such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) become operational.
Furthermore, Singh highlighted India’s pragmatic approach to forming defence partnerships, prioritizing operational needs and technology access rather than political affiliations. The government remains open to collaborations with both the United States and Russia for crucial technologies, with upcoming contracts projected at ₹1.5 lakh crore, along with an additional ₹75,000 crore under consideration.
The forthcoming MALE drone RfP is anticipated to exemplify India’s evolving defence procurement strategy, which aims to blend scale, competition, and the growth of indigenous industrial capabilities, further solidifying the nation’s path toward a self-reliant and technology-driven defence landscape.
