Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), Adani Defence, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and Ashok Leyland have emerged as key contenders for the Indian Coast Guard’s requirement for 10 Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) remotely piloted aircraft systems.
Several interested vendors, including Solar Industries, participated in the pre-bid meeting held as part of the procurement process, highlighting strong industry interest in the programme.
The Indian Coast Guard plans to acquire 10 MALE systems to enhance long-range maritime surveillance, reconnaissance, and search-and-rescue capabilities across India’s extensive maritime domain.
The proposed platforms are expected to deliver persistent beyond-line-of-sight surveillance, strengthen maritime security operations, and improve situational awareness across India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and remote search-and-rescue areas.
The procurement forms part of the Coast Guard’s broader strategy to expand its unmanned aviation capabilities alongside its existing fleet of maritime patrol aircraft and helicopters.
The participation of established Indian defence manufacturers and aerospace companies reflects the growing capabilities of the country’s indigenous unmanned aerial systems industry.
The programme is attracting industry attention as a potentially significant unmanned aviation acquisition for the Indian Coast Guard. It could also support the government’s broader push to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing and expand indigenous aerospace capabilities.
