Indian Army Issues RFI For 75 High Altitude UAVs

The Indian Army has issued the request for information (RFI) last week to launch the procurement process for remotely piloted aircraft system capable of detecting and combat foreign military formations and activities at forward bases, especially along the border with China.

According to the RFI, the Army is looking such a system that can operate at a height of over 18,000 feet or 5,500 meters, and would require only about 30 minutes and two soldiers for complete assembly in posts located at higher altitudes.

The UAVs should come with Man Portable Ground Control Station, a Remote Video Terminal, Day and Night sensor packages, and a Two Way Airborne Data Relay to control the UAV beyond the line of sight, among other components. It should also have anti-spoofing and anti-jamming technology. A number of maps which can be updated should also be supported. 

As per the document, a total of 75 units are needed and the Request for Proposal (RFP) is likely to be issued in April 2019. The manufacturers or vendors should deliver the system by 2020.