Army Signs ₹295 Cr Deals for Drones, Munitions from Private Firms

In a significant move to bolster its surveillance and strike capabilities, the Indian Army has placed two major orders worth ₹295 crore under emergency procurement powers granted after Operation Sindoor. The contracts, signed with domestic private sector firms, are aimed at enhancing the Army’s inventory with loitering munitions and advanced surveillance drones.

The first contract, valued at ₹158 crore, has been awarded to Nagpur-based Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd for the supply of approximately 450 Nagastra-1R loitering munitions, also known as kamikaze drones. These drones, equipped with 360-degree gimbal cameras and optional thermal sensors for night operations, feature high-precision targeting systems and are capable of striking targets with accuracy.

The second deal, worth ₹137 crore, has been inked with Mumbai-based ideaForge Technology for hybrid mini-UAV systems. These drones, variants of the Switch model, come with VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) capabilities and are designed for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions.

Both the Nagastra drones and the VTOL-capable UAVs are already in service and were deployed during the recent cross-border hostilities with Pakistan between May 7 and 10. The newly signed contracts require execution within a year.

Meanwhile, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has offered 28 weapon systems to the armed forces for similar emergency procurements. These include a wide range of platforms such as rockets, air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, laser-guided bombs, torpedoes, and man-portable air defence missiles.

The emergency powers granted to the armed forces allow them to bypass routine procurement timelines in order to quickly build up critical stockpiles and operational readiness.

Also Read: DRDO Offers 28 Indigenous Weapon Systems for Emergency Procurement