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Landmark Indian RFI for 5,000 Tethered Drones

Maj Gen Ravi Arora — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 04:46:09 +0000

The Indian Army has initiated a landmark move in its modernization drive by floating a Request for Information (RFI) for the procurement of 5,000 tethered drone systems, signaling massive growth in persistent surveillance capabilities and technological self-reliance. Below is a comprehensive analysis covering all facets of this tethered drone requirement.

Projected Requirement for Tethered Drones

The Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (TPCR) 2025 directly mentions the requirement for 5,000 tethered drones, designed for round-the-clock surveillance in high-altitude operational areas up to 18,000 feet. The Army has clearly articulated operating norms—these drones must work in extreme temperatures ranging from −50°C to +45°C and deliver up to 9 hours of persistent aerial surveillance in tethered mode, vital for both border regions and forward posts.

Tender Requirements

The latest RFI calls for 5,000 tethered drone systems, reflecting immediate operational needs for surveillance, both day and night, with enhanced data relay and communications support.

The tender documents specify the altitude, endurance, payload, data security, and ruggedization criteria. Companies need to demonstrate proven operational deployment in similar environments. Requirements include high wind resistance, encrypted communications, failsafe systems for power and control, and modular payloads for different mission profiles, including EO/IR cameras, radar, and radio relays.

Some of the important specifications are as follows:

Operating Altitude: Up to 18,000 feet—securing supremacy in the most challenging mountainous regions.
Environmental Extremity: Functioning from a frigid −50oC to a scorching +45oC.
Surveillance Endurance: A minimum of 9 hours of continuous flight in tethered mode.

Indian and global OEMs are invited, with an explicit preference for indigenous manufacturing under Make in India and offset clauses for global buys. This large-scale procurement is highly likely to trigger India’s mandatory Defence Offset Policy. Foreign OEMs must reinvest 30% of the contract value back into India via avenues like Joint Ventures (JVs), Transfer of Technology (ToT), or co-manufacturing. The 30% Offset Obligation applies to all ‘Buy (Global)’ capital acquisitions valued at ₹2,000 Crore (approx. $240 mn) or more.

Employment and Operational Use

Tethered drones are to be deployed along the Line of Control (LoC), Line of Actual Control (LAC), and Siachen, giving persistent overwatch in difficult terrain where conventional deployments are challenged.

Used in network-centric operations, tethered drones can function as airborne radio and data relays for forward units.

Some advanced deployments include jammers and electronic warfare payloads to disrupt hostile drones or signal.

Contemporary Success Stories in Conflict Zones

Ukraine: Tethered drones have been instrumental in trench warfare, offering persistent reconnaissance and communications relays for forces under constant threat, with minimal risk of power/battery shortages or loss due to electronic warfare.

Israel: Used extensively for border surveillance, anti-infiltration, and integrating with automated searchlights and long-range sensors.

Indian Deployments: The Army is already fielding limited numbers in sensitive zones, reporting enhanced situational awareness, reduced intrusions, and successful coordination in joint operations.

Leading Indian Manufacturers in Tethered Drones

BEL. Bharat Electronics Limited has launched multiple tethered UAV models tailored for defence surveillance and communications in harsh conditions. The BEL’s tethered UAV system is a hexacopter designed for high-endurance surveillance and monitoring, It is capable of rising to 100 meters, providing 6 hours continuous operation per sortie (with a rest cycle for cooling). It offers Electro-optic infrared (EO/IR) sensors for both day and night operations, with surveillance range up to 2 km in daylight, 1 km at night. It can be launched from ground vehicles, ships, or static positions for “virtual mast” surveillance, perimeter monitoring, and border security. It has emergency battery operation in case of power failure and modular payload options.

Dhaksha Unmanned Systems. It provides rugged and modular tethered UAV systems under the DH-Tethered UAV series, supporting both military and police applications. The DH-Tethered UAV is of hexacopter design, operating at heights of 100 meters; 24-hour endurance on continuous power supply, 1.5 kg payload, 20 km/h wind resistance. It has a combined EO and thermal camera, gimbal and video stabilization, day/night persistent tracking. It can be assembled in <10 minutes, and is foldable for compact storage. It has direct linking to command and control systems, indigenous winching enclosure, automatic winching and power management.

NewSpace Research & Technologies. The Nimbus Scope model is their flagship tethered drone, developed for super high-altitude and persistent ISR. Its key features are – Twin aerial vehicles per system, up to 200 feet altitude, at least 6 hours continuous tethered operation, 45 mins untethered. It has advanced EO and IR sensors, modular payloads for surveillance and communication. With portable GCS, robust generator, tether/winch station, backup batteries, it is optimized for high-altitude environments such as the LAC.

AERIAL IQ. The Aviral tethered drone, marketed as India’s leading persistent surveillance platform, has long airborne endurance (reported up to 24 hours by product coverage), is immune to jamming with fiber-optic tether, autonomous flight/landing, remote operation from vehicles/vessels. It has high configurable payload capacity—EO/IR sensors, radios, tactical communications modules. It is designed for rapid fielding, mobile units, and secure data relaying for military, fire, and emergency services.

Foreign Players

The leading foreign companies best known for tethered drones include Elistair (France/USA), Hoverfly Technologies (USA), Drone Aviation (USA), Fotokite (Switzerland), DJI (China), and Novadem (France). For policy reasons, DJI will not be eligible to collaborate.

Elistair (France/USA). Widely regarded as the global leader in tethered drone solutions, offering award-winning products like the Orion 2 for defense, law enforcement, and industrial use.

Hoverfly Technologies (USA). Specializes in advanced tethered drone systems designed for persistent surveillance and security in harsh environments.

Drone Aviation (USA). Known for its tactical tethered drones used by military agencies for persistent observation.

Fotokite (Switzerland). Renowned for actively tethered drones used in public safety, emergency response, and fire departments worldwide.Novadem (France). Provides tethered drone systems for law enforcement and defense customers, especially in Europe.

Globally, Elistair is consistently identified as the market leader for tethered drones, holding a substantial share especially in defense and security applications. Hoverfly Technologies and Fotokite follow as significant players with strong presences in North America and Europe, respectively. DJI possesses a notable share in commercial and inspection sectors but is not dominant in the defense market.

Conclusion This procurement not only sets new standards in drone endurance and sophistication but is also poised to transform India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, leveraging the defence offset policy to bring in new investments, JV opportunities, and advanced technological capabilities for indigenous industries. The scale and ambition of the Indian Army’s tethered drone programme are set to make it one of the largest deployments globally, placing India at the forefront of persistent surveillance and unmanned defence technology.

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IAF to Seek RFI for Advanced 1000km BVLOS Loitering Munitions

IMR Reporter — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 04:47:44 +0000

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to issue a Request for Information (RFI) for the development of advanced ground-launched, Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) loitering munitions, aiming to enhance India’s tactical strike capabilities. These munitions are envisioned to have a range of 500 to 1,000 kilometers and carry a 50 kg warhead, enabling precision strikes and extended loitering times, which are crucial for modern warfare scenarios. This initiative aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) campaign, emphasizing indigenous innovation and development. The munitions are expected to feature autonomous navigation and real-time control capabilities, allowing for flexible operations in contested environments such as the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This move follows the IAF’s recent induction of the ALS-50 loitering munition, developed by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), which boasts a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability and has demonstrated precision strike capabilities during trials in diverse terrains, including high-altitude areas like Ladakh and hot conditions in Rajasthan . The ALS-50’s successful deployment underscores India’s growing proficiency in developing sophisticated unmanned systems, and the forthcoming RFI indicates a strategic push towards enhancing long-range, autonomous strike capabilities through indigenous means.

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Indian Army Seeks T-90 Tank Decoys

IMR Reporter — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 13:25:37 +0000

The Indian Army has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for mock-ups of T-90 S/SK main battle tanks as part of its Make in India initiative to enhance defense against drone threats. These decoys will replicate the tanks’ acoustic, thermal, and dimensional signatures to mislead enemy sensors and protect actual assets. The specifications mandate realistic replication, including external features and durability across varied terrains. This proactive approach reflects the Army’s commitment to adapt to evolving battlefield dynamics, ensuring increased survivability of armored units in contested environments, and reinforces the significance of domestic production capabilities in strengthening national defense.

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Indian Army Seeks Counter Drone Systems for Tanks

IMR Reporter — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 04:51:52 +0000

The Indian Army has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for approximately 75 Counter Unmanned aircraft Systems (C-UAS) to be integrated into its T-90 and T-72 tanks, enhancing their defense against the rising threat of drones in modern warfare. This initiative reflects India’s proactive approach to modernizing its armored capabilities, particularly in light of lessons learned from recent conflicts like Ukraine, where armored units faced significant drone threats. The C-UAS systems will incorporate both soft-kill and hard-kill measures, ensuring comprehensive protection in diverse terrains, particularly along the challenging borders with China and Pakistan, highlighting the Army’s commitment to addressing evolving battlefield challenges.

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Indian MoD Seeks RFI for 7,050 Hours of ALH Simulator Training

IMR Reporter — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 10:07:59 +0000

The Indian Ministry of Defence has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to procure 7,050 hours of simulator training annually for the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-III and ALH-WSI, aimed at enhancing operational readiness across the Indian Army, Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard. This initiative, structured on a pay-as-you-use basis, emphasizes advanced simulation technology to replicate real-world flying conditions, ensuring pilots are well-prepared for diverse scenarios. With a Build, Operate, Train, and Maintain model, the program not only enhances training efficiency but also integrates military expertise, reflecting India’s commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities and fostering a self-sustaining aviation expertise pipeline.

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Indian Army Seeks Logistic Drones to Boost Supply Chains in Tough Terrains

IMR Reporter — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 09:32:38 +0000

The Indian Army has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to procure Logistic Drones designed for medium and high-altitude operations, aiming to enhance supply chains in challenging terrains along the northern borders. This initiative aligns with the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat programs, prioritizing indigenous manufacturing while addressing logistical demands at altitudes up to 5,000 meters. The drones will improve operational efficiency by facilitating timely deliveries of essential supplies, thus reducing reliance on traditional transport methods. This strategic move underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense technology amid ongoing tensions with China and Pakistan, ensuring robust supply lines in remote areas.

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Indian Army Seeks Local Rocket Ammo for Grad BM-21 Launchers

IMR Reporter — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 09:22:25 +0000

The Indian Army has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to procure rocket ammunition for its 122mm Grad BM-21 Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher, aimed at enhancing artillery capabilities across diverse terrains. This initiative reflects the Army’s commitment to self- reliance in defense manufacturing, aligning with the Make in India initiative, as it seeks indigenously produced ammunition to reduce dependence on imports. The RFI emphasizes the need for versatile, durable, and long-lasting ammunition suitable for various operational conditions, particularly along India’s challenging borders. By engaging domestic OEMs and vendors, the Army is strategically bolstering its operational readiness and national security.

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Indian Army Seeks 54 Inflatable Bridges to Boost Deception Tactics

IMR Reporter — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 08:56:24 +0000

The Indian Army has strategically issued a Request for Information (RFI) to procure 54 sets of Inflatable Mock- Up Bridges, enhancing its battlefield deception capabilities. These mock-ups are designed to closely replicate the Ponton Modular System (PMS) Bridge, rendering them nearly indistinguishable from the real structure under varying conditions, which will significantly complicate enemy reconnaissance efforts. The focus on detailed thermal and infrared signature mimicry indicates a proactive adaptation to modern warfare technologies. By deploying these inflatable decoys, the Indian Army aims to safeguard genuine assets while misleading adversaries, thereby protecting operational integrity along its critical northern and western borders.

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HAL Seeks Jet Engine for Next-Gen HLFT-42 Trainer Aircraft

IMR Reporter — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 09:06:09 +0000

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for a jet engine intended for the HLFT-42, a supersonic trainer aircraft. The RFI specifies performance criteria including a thrust of 95-100 kN and a technical life of 6,000 hours, emphasizing HAL’s commitment to modern pilot training. The HLFT-42, designed to bridge basic trainers and advanced fighters, is aimed at replacing the aging BAE Hawk 132s in the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet. This initiative not only enhances training capabilities but also positions India as a competitive player in the global aerospace sector, aligning with its broader defense modernization strategy.

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Indian Navy Boosts Fighter Fleet with Dedicated Aerial Refuellers

IMR Reporter — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 06:59:53 +0000

The Indian Navy plans to enhance its operational capabilities by acquiring dedicated aerial refuellers to support its expanding fleet of fighter jets, projected to grow from 45 to nearly 150 over the next two decades. With the intent to issue a Request for Information (RFI) soon, this initiative aims to reduce reliance on the Indian Air Force for mid-air refuelling, addressing the Navy’s need for operational independence amid increasing maritime responsibilities. The planned refuellers will bolster anti-submarine warfare and surveillance operations, ensuring sustained missions across the Indian Ocean Region. Potential candidates for the refuellers include the Airbus A330 MRTT and Boeing KC-46 Pegasus, demonstrating India’s commitment to enhancing its naval aviation capabilities.

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