The Indian Air Force has initiated the procurement process for a compact Micro Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system for its elite Garud Commando Force, aimed at boosting surveillance and operational capabilities in challenging environments.
Designed for High-Altitude and Extreme Conditions
According to officials, the proposed UAV system will be capable of operating:
- At altitudes up to 16,400 feet
- In temperatures ranging from -20°C to +50°C
- Across diverse terrains and climatic conditions
The system is intended for high-altitude surveillance, reconnaissance, and operational support.
Enhanced Range, Endurance and Capabilities
The new UAV will feature:
- Minimum 15 km mission range
- At least 60 minutes endurance
- Day and night surveillance capability
- Real-time situational awareness and target acquisition
It will be a man-portable system, operable by a two-person crew.
Advanced Operational Features
The UAV is expected to include:
- Autonomous vertical take-off and landing (VTOL)
- Secure encrypted communication links
- Operation in GPS-denied environments
- Compatibility with India’s navigation systems
- Multiple modes: autonomous, manual, and target tracking
Focus on Indigenous Development
The project emphasises procurement under ‘Buy Indian’ or ‘IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)’ categories, with a minimum 60% indigenous content.
The Defence Ministry has prioritised participation from:
- Indian vendors
- Start-ups and MSMEs
The initiative aligns with the government’s push for Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing.
Boost to Special Forces Capability
The upgraded UAV system will significantly enhance the operational effectiveness of Garud Special Forces, particularly in high-risk and remote missions.
Future-Ready Air Power
The move reflects India’s focus on integrating advanced unmanned systems, indigenous innovation, and network-centric warfare capabilities into its armed forces.
