Indian Army Plans Induction of 20 Tactical RPAs to Strengthen ISR Across Diverse Terrains
The Indian Army is moving to significantly sharpen its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) edge with plans to induct 20 Tactical Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs). To kick-start the process, the Ministry of Defence has issued a Request for Information (RFI), inviting responses from Indian vendors capable of delivering mission-ready platforms.
The proposed acquisition, including associated ground support systems, is aligned with the government’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. The Army intends to deploy these RPAs across contrasting operational environments, with half designated for the plains and the remaining for high-altitude and mountainous regions—reflecting India’s varied and demanding terrain profile.
Built for Harsh Conditions, Day or Night
As outlined in the RFI, the RPAs must be capable of round-the-clock operations in commonly encountered weather conditions. In high-altitude areas, they should operate in winds reaching up to 60 knots, while systems deployed in the plains must handle winds of up to 30 knots. Additional requirements include the ability to function in rainfall rates of up to 20 mm per hour, withstand gusts during take-off and landing, and operate safely in non-thunderous cloud cover—ensuring reliability in unpredictable environments.
Future-Ready Design with Multi-Payload Capability
To keep pace with evolving battlefield demands, the Army has stressed the need for a modular and scalable architecture. The RPAs must be capable of carrying at least two payloads simultaneously and allow upgrades with minimal structural changes. The RFI highlights compatibility with a wide spectrum of payloads such as EO/IR sensors, COMINT and ELINT systems, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Foliage Penetration (FOPEN) radar, and communication relay equipment—broadening the Army’s ISR reach and mission flexibility.
Part of a Larger Drone Modernisation Drive
Tactical RPAs have become a cornerstone of modern military operations, offering rapid deployment, real-time situational awareness, and flexibility in both conventional and asymmetric warfare scenarios. Their ability to operate with minimal infrastructure makes them especially valuable in rugged and contested areas.
This planned induction fits into the Army’s wider push to expand its drone ecosystem. Recently, 380 ASHNI platoons were raised, each staffed with specially trained personnel to operate a range of drones—from ISR platforms to loitering munitions—within infantry formations. Officials note that the new tactical RPAs will integrate with existing units, enhance battlefield transparency, and improve operational effectiveness across missions ranging from counter-insurgency to high-intensity conflict.
With the RFI now issued, the next steps will involve refining the Services Qualitative Requirements (SQRs), finalising the procurement category, and identifying potential Indian vendors—marking another step forward in strengthening the Army’s surveillance and reconnaissance framework.
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