The Indian Army is taking significant steps to bolster its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities through the planned acquisition of 20 Tactical Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs). The Ministry of Defence has kickstarted this initiative by releasing a Request for Information (RFI) aimed at identifying suitable platforms and prospective Indian vendors.
The tactical RPAs are intended to be procured along with necessary ground support equipment, aligning with the government’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. This acquisition will see an equal distribution of drones designated for both plains and high-altitude or mountainous regions, reflecting the Army’s diverse operational needs.
In terms of operational capability, the RFI outlines rigorous requirements for the RPAs, which must be capable of conducting day-and-night operations under a variety of weather conditions across all terrains. Specifically, they should be able to operate in wind conditions up to 60 knots in elevated areas and 30 knots in the plains, handle rainfall rates of up to 20 mm per hour, and manage gusts of 10 knots during take-off and landing. Furthermore, the drones must operate effectively within non-thunderous cloud conditions, ensuring their utility in a range of scenarios.
A key feature of the RPAs will be their modular and scalable design, which allows for upgrades with minimal modifications. This future-ready aspect is crucial for meeting the Army’s evolving multi-mission requirements. The RPAs are expected to support a diverse array of payloads, including Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) sensors, Communications Intelligence (COMINT), Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Foliage Penetrating (FOPEN) radar, and communication relay systems. This expansion of the ISR envelope is critical for enhancing operational effectiveness.
Tactical RPAs are becoming increasingly pivotal in contemporary warfare, offering rapid deployment capabilities, improved situational awareness, and operational flexibility, particularly in contested and rugged terrains. Their inherent mobility reduces reliance on fixed infrastructure, thereby easing the constraints associated with launch and recovery processes.
This acquisition is part of the Indian Army’s broader strategy to enhance its drone capabilities. Recently, the Army established 380 dedicated ASHNI platoons, each consisting of specially trained personnel equipped to operate a variety of drones, including ISR platforms and loitering munitions, across infantry units.
Defence officials have indicated that the new tactical RPAs are expected to complement existing drone units, thereby improving real-time battlefield awareness and fortifying the Army’s capacity to conduct operations across the full spectrum of conflict, ranging from counter-insurgency to high-intensity engagements.
The RFI process will play a crucial role in finalizing the Services Qualitative Requirements (SQRs), determining the procurement category, and identifying potential Indian vendors. This step is pivotal for upgrading the Army’s surveillance and reconnaissance framework, marking a significant advancement in its operational capabilities.
