✅ India’s 87 MALE UAV Program: Key Facts & Update
India is moving fast on its indigenous 87 MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) UAV program, aimed at boosting long-range surveillance and strike capabilities under the Make in India initiative.
🔍 What’s Confirmed
✅ The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has cleared the proposal for 87 indigenous MALE drones
✅ Project estimated around ₹30,000 crore
✅ Contract will be awarded to two domestic manufacturers
✅ Workshare split in 64:36 ratio —
64% for L1 (lowest bidder) & 36% for L2, ensuring two production lines and faster deliveries
⚠️ On Trials Timeline
Reports confirm upcoming prototype trials, but no official public confirmation yet stating trials will begin within 6 months. Timelines will be finalized after the bid and prototype stage.
🎯 Why it Matters
▪️Strengthens strategic surveillance & border defence
▪️Reduces reliance on foreign platforms like Heron & MQ-9B
▪️Encourages domestic defence ecosystem & export potential
🛰️ Context
The Indian defence sector is rapidly scaling up indigenous UAV capability, with programs across MALE, HALE, loitering munitions, and swarm drones — positioning India among leading drone-technology nations.
📌 Bottom Line:
India’s 87-MALE UAV program is cleared and progressing, with a two-vendor strategy to accelerate indigenous UAV production. Trial timelines are expected soon, but the 6-month claim isn’t officially confirmed yet.