Archive · 24 Jul 2026
India to Procure MALE Drones for Coast Guard
The Indian Coast Guard is planning to buy 10 special drones called MALE drones.
These drones can fly high and stay in the air for a long time, helping to watch over the sea and rescue people.
The government is spending Rs 2,000 crore on this project.
Big Indian companies like Adani, Solar Industries, and Tata are expected to bid for the contract.
These drones will help the Coast Guard keep an eye on the sea, especially near the Pakistan border and other important areas.
They will also help in searching for people or things lost at sea.
This is a big step for India to improve its ability to protect its waters.
Indian Coast Guard plans to procure 10 MALE drones for Rs 2,000 crore.
MALE drones can fly at medium altitudes for long durations, providing persistent surveillance.
Adani Defence, Solar Industries, and Tata Advanced Systems are likely to bid for the contract.
Drones will be used for maritime surveillance, search and rescue, and intelligence gathering.
The procurement is part of a larger Rs 30,000–32,000 crore tri-services MALE drone program.
- Who
- Indian Coast Guard
- What
- Procurement of 10 MALE drones
- When
- RFI issued around July 15
- Where
- India
- Why
- To enhance maritime surveillance and search and rescue capabilities
Domestic Manufacturing Advocates
Foreign Procurement Advocates
Procurement Strategy
Domestic Manufacturing Advocates
Domestic manufacturing will boost India's defense industry and create jobs.
Foreign Procurement Advocates
Foreign procurement may offer more advanced technology and quicker deployment.
- Procurement Value
- Rs 2,000 crore
- Number of Drones
- 10
- Type of Drones
- Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA)
- Primary Use
- Maritime surveillance, search and rescue (SAR), and intelligence gathering
- Expected Bidders
- Adani Defence, Solar Industries, Tata Advanced Systems
- Operational Altitude
- 10,000–30,000 feet
- Operational Range
- Up to 1,000 nautical miles
- Endurance
- 24–48 hours