The Indian Army has released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the procurement of 30 Passive Surveillance Suite & Detection Systems (PSS&DS) under the Buy (Indian) category, reinforcing its commitment to indigenous defence capabilities.
The PSS&DS is designed to detect, intercept, locate, identify, and track both active and passive targets. The system comprises Remote Receiving Stations (RRSs) and a Master Receive and Control Station (MRCS), working in tandem to provide comprehensive surveillance coverage.
Primarily aimed at air defence surveillance and electronic intelligence (ELINT) gathering, the passive systems will enhance situational awareness by monitoring aerial and ground threats without emitting signals that could reveal their location.
According to the RFP, the systems must support:
- Multi-target tracking and long service life of at least 20 years.
- Battlefield resilience, including protection against lightning and electromagnetic pulses.
- Operational reliability in diverse terrains and extreme weather, including high-altitude conditions.
- Product support for 20 years, with a minimum two-year warranty and options for annual maintenance contracts.
The procurement process follows a single stage–two bid system, with vendors required to demonstrate technical compliance, operational reliability, and indigenous manufacturing capabilities.
This initiative aligns with the Army’s modernization drive and India’s larger Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, ensuring self-reliance in critical surveillance technologies. By leveraging advanced passive detection systems, the Army aims to strengthen its stealthy monitoring capabilities and bolster overall defence preparedness.
