The Indian Ministry of Defence issued a Request for Information (RFI) for 2,715 logistics drones to accelerate last-mile supply capabilities for soldiers deployed in high-altitude and remote areas like the Siachen Glacier, where transporting goods normally becomes difficult due to extreme weather conditions. The RFI intends to evaluate Indian capabilities in drone technology, production capacity and vendors’ ability to comply with the Army’s operational requirements.
If the procurement moves forward, it would be one of the Indian Army’s largest intended procurements in the logistics drone category and the drones could aid supply operations up to an altitude of 20,000 ft. The procurement is also expected to significantly support India’s expanding defence drone market. Consistent with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self reliance) policy, the Army has steadily relied on native technologies for surveillance, logistics, counter-drone technologies, and loitering munitions. The RFI is expected to attract a large number of drone manufacturers once the programme progresses to the next procurement stage.
Besides boosting operational performance, introducing logistics drones should reduce the pressure on helicopters, which are commonly used for supplying heavy lifts, but drones can execute missions at lower operational costs and reduce the risk of operating within a dangerous mountain environment.
The introduction of 2,715 logistics drones planned is yet another major step towards the Indian Army’s ambition of revolutionising battlefield sustainment through unmanned systems. The programme is bound to enhance battle effectiveness in the most challenging military operations, boost the indigenous defence drone industry, and support India’s long-term self reliance in cutting edge military technologies.
