India Speeds Up Purchase of 87 Indigenous MALE Drones
Why in the news
India has moved to speed up the purchase of 87 locally built Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones, meant to improve surveillance along its borders.
Key facts
- Quantity: 87 MALE drones from domestic manufacturers.
- Value: about Rs 20,000 crore.
- Rule: at least 60% indigenous content.
- Role: intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) over land and sea borders.
- Reported to be the first time Indian private firms are tasked to supply MALE drones under Make in India.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Endurance | More than 30 hours |
| Altitude | Up to 35,000 feet |
| Type | Unmanned aerial vehicle for ISR |
About MALE drones
MALE drones are unmanned aircraft that fly at medium altitudes for long periods. India has built several drones through DRDO, such as Lakshya, Nishant, Rustom-1, TAPAS (Rustom-2) and Archer, and earlier relied on Israeli imports for this class.
Exam angle
- Expand the abbreviation MALE: Medium Altitude Long Endurance.
- Link the purchase to Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence.
- Note the numbers: 87 drones, 60% local content, Rs 20,000 crore.