The Indian Army is set to significantly enhance its precision strike capabilities with the procurement of 840 advanced loitering munitions (kamikaze drones) under a ₹1,600 crore fast-track defence contract. The Ministry of Defence has selected Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Nibe Defence to supply the drones, which are expected to begin delivery within the next six months. Designed with a strike range of up to 100 kilometres, these drones will strengthen the Army’s ability to carry out long-range, high-precision attacks on enemy positions.
Under the contract, Tata Advanced Systems, the lowest bidder (L1), has secured 64% of the order and will supply its fully indigenous ALS Series loitering munitions. Nibe Defence, the second-lowest bidder (L2), has been awarded the remaining 36% and will provide the Vayu Astra drone, based on the Israeli SkyStriker platform. The new systems will be deployed with the Army’s upcoming Drone Artillery Regiments, marking a major step in India’s push to modernize its battlefield capabilities while promoting a combination of indigenous manufacturing and advanced defence technology under the Make in India initiative.
