Indian Army to get loitering munitions worth ₹1,577 crore

The Indian Army is significantly bolstering its precision-strike capabilities with the acquisition of loitering munitions, often referred to as "kamikaze drones." The Ministry of Defence has signed two contracts totaling ₹1,577 crore with domestic companies Tata Advanced Systems Ltd and Nibe Pvt Ltd for these advanced systems and their associated equipment.

This move is a critical step towards enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Indian Army, particularly for its artillery regiments. The acquisition is procured entirely from Indian vendors under the "Buy Indian" scheme, fast-tracked to meet urgent requirements. It directly supports the nation's vision of achieving self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

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The loitering munition system is critical equipment that can enhance the capability of artillery regiments and boost the overall operational effectiveness of the Indian Army.

The procurement aligns with the army's ambitious plan to induct tens of thousands of locally made unmanned aerial systems and loitering munitions over the next five years. These systems are increasingly reshaping modern warfare, as evidenced in global conflicts. India aims to position itself as a global drone manufacturing hub by 2030, a goal reinforced by this strategic acquisition and a comprehensive roadmap for unmanned aerial systems.

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Procured from Indian vendors under the ‘Buy Indian’ scheme through a fast-track procedure, this initiative will further strengthen the vision of self-reliance in defence.