Threatened India issues flurry of UAV orders
The SkyStriker is a fully autonomous loitering munition that carries either a 5kg or 10kg warhead. (Elbit Systems)
Swarm UAVs, loitering munitions and counter-UAS systems are now all on Indian order books.
In an unprecedented move, India’s MoD has signed multiple niche contracts cumulatively worth around $180 million for UAVs. These are mostly with the private sector under emergency procurement contracts.
The volatile situation on India’s borders, with increasing UAV attacks and hostile neighbours, to which Afghanistan is a recent addition, has necessitated the move.
The Indian Army that bestowed the lion’s share of orders will get around 100 SkyStriker loitering munitions to be supplied in a year by a JV between Bengaluru-based Alpha Design and Elbit Systems. The SkyStriker was used during the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Start-up NewSpace Research
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![USAF tests Harpoon missile integration on F-16 aircraft]()
USAF tests Harpoon missile integration on F-16 aircraft
The integration of the Harpoon missile on the Lockheed Martin fighter worked to showcase the rapid speed at which a ‘gateway system’ integration can add new capabilities to aircraft.
-
![Germany looks to upgrade KEPD 350 missiles and Sweden begins purchase process]()
Germany looks to upgrade KEPD 350 missiles and Sweden begins purchase process
The Taurus KEPD 350 is an air-launched cruise missile developed by Taurus Systems, a joint venture between MBDA Deutschland and Saab Dynamics. The German contract is for maintenance and modernisation of German Air Force missiles.
-
![Singapore eyes C-295MPA and P-8 for maritime patrol aircraft requirement]()
Singapore eyes C-295MPA and P-8 for maritime patrol aircraft requirement
The down-selection of both the aircraft comes amid maritime tensions in the region.
-
![Sikorsky signs $313 million maintenance contract for Australian Navy MH-60Rs]()
Sikorsky signs $313 million maintenance contract for Australian Navy MH-60Rs
The extension of its partnership with the Royal Australian Navy comes as the latter is increasing its fleet size, anticipating 12 further aircraft to be delivered by 2036.
