India plans over $2 billion drone purchase from domestic firms

New Delhi: India is likely to order more than $2 billion worth of military drones from domestic firms this year in its biggest such purchase, an industry body working with the government told Reuters.

The plans are in advanced stages with deliveries expected over 18 to 24 months, said Smit Shah, president of the industry body. The move marks a jump in value from recent government orders worth 30 billion rupees, or about $313 million, for tactical-class drones.

Shah said global and regional conflicts have boosted demand for unmanned systems. The planned procurement is aimed at strengthening surveillance and operational capabilities while pushing domestic defence manufacturing.

The government has been prioritizing indigenous production under its defence indigenization push. If finalized, the order would be India’s largest single purchase of military drones to date and a significant boost for local drone makers.