NEW DELHI, June 4, 2026 — India is preparing to make a major investment in military drones, with plans to purchase approximately 200 billion rupees (around $2.3 billion) worth of unmanned aerial systems from domestic manufacturers this year, according to industry sources familiar with the government’s defense procurement plans.
The proposed acquisition, which is in its final stages of planning, is expected to be completed within the next 18 to 24 months. The deal would significantly exceed the government’s recent 30 billion rupee order for tactical drones, making it one of India’s largest drone procurement initiatives to date.
A source working closely with the government and the defense industry said the new purchase is intended to address urgent operational requirements and enhance the country’s military preparedness.
The Drone Federation of India (DFI), which represents more than 550 drone manufacturers and works closely with government agencies, expects the next phase of drone acquisitions to surpass 200 billion rupees. DFI President Smit Shah said the procurement process could be accelerated to meet operational needs, with delivery timelines likely set within two years.
India’s increased focus on drones gained momentum following a border confrontation with Pakistan in May last year, during which both countries extensively deployed unmanned systems. The conflict highlighted the growing offensive and strategic value of relatively low-cost drones on the battlefield.
Ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have also underscored the expanding role of drones in modern warfare, contributing to lower production costs and reshaping military strategies worldwide.
Earlier this year, India’s Ministry of Defence approved procurement proposals worth approximately 2.38 trillion rupees ($24.85 billion) for transport aircraft, missile systems, and armed drones. However, the ministry did not provide a detailed breakdown of spending by category.
Ramesh Chandra Padhi, an executive at IG Drones and a former Indian Army officer, described drones as a “force multiplier” in modern warfare. He said the Indian military is pursuing expedited procurement procedures to rapidly integrate drones into its operational framework on a large scale.
