The Indian Navy is set to order four Tapas drones from the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) for maritime surveillance operations. The drones will be manufactured by a consortium of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The first drone is expected to be delivered within 24 months of signing the contract. Although the Tapas drones have not fully met the requirements of the defense forces in trials, the DRDO is continuing to develop them. The drones have been tested by the defense forces and have reached an altitude of 28,000 feet and can fly for over 18 hours. They also have the advantage of requiring a relatively short runway length for takeoff, making them suitable for use from small airfields [33ef23b7].
In addition to the Tapas drones, the Indian Navy is also planning to acquire other advanced unmanned systems, including autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). These systems will enhance the Navy's capabilities in areas such as mine countermeasures, surveillance, and intelligence gathering. The Indian Navy is actively pursuing indigenous development and production of such unmanned systems to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen its self-reliance in defense technology.
The acquisition of the Tapas drones and other unmanned systems is part of India's broader strategy to modernize its armed forces and enhance its maritime security capabilities. The Indian Navy has been investing in various platforms and technologies to strengthen its surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, especially in the maritime domain. The addition of the Tapas drones will further bolster the Navy's ability to monitor and patrol India's vast coastline and exclusive economic zone, ensuring the country's maritime security.
The development and production of indigenous drones and unmanned systems are also aligned with the Indian government's 'Make in India' initiative, which aims to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign defense equipment. By partnering with Indian defense companies like BEL and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the DRDO is not only supporting the growth of the domestic defense industry but also fostering technological innovation and self-sufficiency in defense production.
Overall, the Indian Navy's decision to order Tapas drones from the DRDO reflects its commitment to enhancing its maritime surveillance capabilities and strengthening its self-reliance in defense technology. The acquisition of these indigenous unmanned systems will contribute to India's overall defense preparedness and its ability to safeguard its maritime interests [33ef23b7].