An aerial Targeting System (Extended Range) is a vehicle-mounted canister/ pneumatically/ VTOL launched system with range and endurance to carry out intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition, and accurate engagement of High-Value Targets in all spectrums of warfare.

Aerial Targeting System (Extended Range) should have a minimum range of 100km with 2 meters CEP and can launch from Vehicle based canister /Pneumatic/VTOL method and can carry 8kg or more warhead with an endurance of 2hrs.

Loitering munitions are a mix of a surface-to-surface missile and a drone. They can destroy radar installations, air defence systems, communication centres as well as dynamic targets such as enemy vehicles and troops

During March 21-23, the newly-developed loitering munitions (LM0, LM1, and Hexacopter) were tested in the Nubra Valley region of Ladakh.

In addition, the Indian Army has requested additional smart loiter munitions, also known as Canister Launched Anti-Armour Loiter Munitions (CALM) Systems, for deployment in the plains and deserts along the western borders, as well as in high altitude areas up to 5,100 metres along the northern border.

Economic Explosives Limited, a subsidiary of Solar Industries India Ltd, and Zmotion Autonomous Systems co-developed the three loitering munitions.

The Indian Army has placed a request for 150 Canister Launched Anti-Armour Loiter Munitions (CALM) Systems.

India already uses the Israeli Harop loitering munition and in September 2021, placed an order for 100 explosive-laden ‘SkyStrikers’, capable of long-range tactical strikes from Bengaluru-headquartered firm Alpha Design, in a joint venture (JV) with Israeli firm Elbit Security Systems.

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Under the PLI scheme that was announced last year, the incentive for a manufacturer of drones and drone components will be 20 per cent of the “value addition” made by the company during the next three years. The value addition is calculated as the annual sales revenue from drones and drone components (net of GST) minus the purchase cost (net of GST) of drone and drone components.

Dhaksha Unmanned Systems, IdeaForge Technology, IoTechWorld Aviation, Omnipresent Robot Technologies and Raphe Mphibr are five drone manufacturers selected as beneficiaries, it mentioned.

Absolute Composites, Adani-Elbit Advanced Systems India, Adroitec Information Systems, Alpha Design Technologies, Inventgrid India, Paras Aerospace, SASMOS HET Technologies, ZMotion Autonomous Systems and Zuppa Geo Navigation Technologies are nine drone component manufacturers selected for the PLI scheme, it noted.

The ministry had announced the PLI scheme on September 16, 2021 and allotted Rs 120 crore spread over three financial years.

The ministry said the eligibility criteria for the PLI scheme includes an annual sales turnover of Rs 2 crore for drone companies and Rs 50 lakh for drone components manufacturers; and value addition of over 40 per cent of sales turnover.

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