Amid a strong push by Prime Minister Narendra Modi government for ‘Make in India’ in defence, the defence ministry has formed a committee under a three star-rank officer to decide on the curtailed deal for buying predator drones from the US.
As per the plans, India was earlier planning to acquire 30 of these high-altitude long-endurance drones equipped with strike capability, including missiles, which were to be equally distributed among the three services.
Sources said the three services have requirements for these drones which can be used for surveillance as well as attacking enemy targets from standoff distances.
Almost all the defence deals planned through the import route had either been scrapped or put on hold by the defence ministry on the directions of the Prime Minister’s Office in favour of indigenous weapon systems.
India is operating two predator drones which were hired on lease from an American firm and they have been helping the Navy to keep track of activities in the Indian Ocean Region.
In line with the Prime Minister’s directions, the Indian Navy is now charting an indigenous roadmap for all its requirements of weapon systems and equipment.
