Overview
- The programme entered early implementation in mid-June with a limited tender sent to selected Indian firms and officials now shortlisting an industry partner to work at the Sulur 5 Base Repair Depot.
- Operational requirements call for a fixed-wing loitering munition that can operate day and night, reach about 16,000 feet, carry at least a 30 kg modular payload and fly fully autonomously for launch, loitering and mission execution.
- Maintenance Command will run the pilot and plans to develop two operational prototypes, build testing and production infrastructure on the airbase, and train roughly 50 personnel in design, manufacturing, integration and sustainment.
- The Air Force wants to own intellectual property rights for the design, rely on local suppliers and bar Chinese-origin components to create a trusted supply chain and allow the depot to scale production later.
- Officials say the push reflects lessons from recent conflicts where loitering munitions proved effective and signals a shift from specification-only procurement toward in-house capability building that will require new datalinks, autonomous flight control certification and launcher systems.