Back in 2020, when India leased the MQ-9B drones from the U.S., it felt like progress, but also like dependence. We were borrowing eyes to watch our own skies. That never sat right with me.
Now in 2025, that’s changing. The fast-tracked procurement of 87 MALE UAVs is more than a purchase, it’s a declaration. A shift from renting power to building it ourselves.
Having followed India’s defence evolution closely, this moment feels pivotal. We’re no longer playing catch-up. With these indigenous, AI-enabled drones, India is stepping into a future where our military sees first, thinks faster, and acts without hesitation. And this time, the skies will answer to us.
What Is a MALE UAV and Why It’s Critical Now
Unpacking the Tech: MALE Drones
A MALE UAV, short for Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, can fly at altitudes between 10,000 and 35,000 feet for over 30 hours without human pilots. These machines are the backbone of ISR drone systems, designed to collect intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data in real-time.
Unlike manned fighters or satellites, MALE drones can loiter silently above conflict zones, monitor borders for hours, and even engage targets using precision munitions.
Why India Needs 87 of Them, Now
With the Chinese military expanding surveillance and logistics infrastructure along the LAC, and Pakistan continuing its infiltration attempts across the LoC, India must maintain round-the-clock monitoring. Add to that the strategic turbulence in the Indian Ocean, and the need for UAV surveillance for Indian Navy operations becomes even more pressing.
Thus, these 87 MALE UAVs will serve as India’s silent sentinels across our entire strategic spectrum—from high-altitude UAV operations in Ladakh to Indian Ocean drone monitoring in the maritime theatre.
Indigenous MALE Drone Development: India’s Self-Reliant Path
Perhaps the most exciting part of this project is that the majority of the drones, at least 60%, will be made in India under the IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category.
This is more than a nod to the Make in India UAV programme. It’s a full-throttle move to transform India into a global drone manufacturing hub.
The Indian Defence Ecosystem Steps In
The following Indian defence majors and tech innovators are leading the charge in indigenous MALE drone development:
- Adani Defence (Hermes-900 adaptation)
- SolarADL (known for its UAV payload systems)
- HAL (veterans in aerospace platforms)
- Tata Advanced Systems
- L&T Defence
- Raphe mPhibr (focusing on AI-powered drone payloads and propulsion tech)
Together, they represent the new age of Indian drone manufacturers, ensuring the country doesn’t just operate MALE drones, but builds, tests, weaponises, and evolves them in-house.
₹20,000 Crore Investment: What’s Included?
The total project cost is estimated at ₹20,000 crore, and it’s not limited to just buying airframes.
What India Will Receive:
- Ground control stations for all-weather operations
- Secure SATCOM systems for real-time control and targeting
- Electro-optical/Infrared sensors and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
- AI-powered mission control systems
- Integration of loitering munitions, anti-tank guided missiles, and jamming pods
This shows the government’s clear intent to move toward combat-ready MALE UAVs, drones that can both observe and act.
Weaponised Drones for Indian Army & Tri-Service Use
One of the most impactful shifts in doctrine is the transition from passive ISR drones to weaponised drones for the Indian Army and other services.
Why Weaponisation Matters
Modern battlefield dynamics demand rapid response and precision strikes. These MALE UAVs will be armed to:
- Neutralise enemy bunkers
- Destroy armoured targets
- Suppress enemy radars
- Launch pre-emptive strikes in border skirmishes
Having MALE drone combat capabilities gives commanders options to act without risking pilot lives—and at a much lower operational cost than manned fighters.
Deployment Strategy: Border Surveillance UAVs and Maritime Prowess
The 87 UAVs will be strategically distributed across the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Here’s how each service will use them:
Indian Army
- Border surveillance UAVs along LoC and LAC
- Tracking infiltration in real-time
- Live feed to battalion-level commanders
Indian Air Force
- Deep reconnaissance missions
- Supporting fighters in contested airspace
- Drone warfare strategy integrated into Theatre Commands
Indian Navy
- Continuous UAV surveillance for Indian Navy vessels
- Monitoring strategic sea lanes and enemy naval assets
- Enhancing maritime domain awareness in Indian Ocean drone monitoring
This layered usage ensures seamless national security across terrain, sea, and air.
From Imports to Intelligence Control: A Strategic Shift
Until now, India has relied on:
- Israeli Heron and Searcher drones
- Leased MQ-9B SeaGuardians from the US
These were effective, but:
- Costly
- Limited in operational customisation
- Bound by foreign upgrade timelines
- Exposed to supply chain vulnerabilities during conflict
By choosing indigenous MALE drone development, India takes full control over drone design, sensor integration, upgrades, and weaponisation, building strategic sovereignty.
When Will These Drones Arrive?
The proposal is already in the final review stage at the Ministry of Defence. Based on current estimates:
- Approval by late 2025
- Prototype testing in 2026
- Initial delivery from 2027
- Full operational induction by 2029
By 2030, these UAVs will form the backbone of India’s unmanned surveillance and strike doctrine.
My Perspective: India’s Drone Moment Is Finally Here
As someone deeply invested in India’s defence narrative, I believe this acquisition of 87 MALE UAVs is our real entry into drone warfare strategy. It marks the point where India stops buying for the short term and starts building for the future.
We’re not just buying drones—we’re buying time, intelligence, and tactical superiority.
When we talk about combat-ready MALE UAVs with AI-powered drone payloads, we’re talking about future-proofing our forces. It’s about dominating data, not just terrain.