India set for USD2bn drone order in biggest buy

NEW DELHI: India is likely to order more than USD2 billion worth of military drones from domestic firms this year in its biggest such purchase, an industry body working with the government told Reuters, as global and regional conflicts boost demand.

The plans are in advanced stages with deliveries expected over 18 to 24 months, for a jump in value from recent government orders worth 30 billion rupees (USD313 million) for tactical-class drones, said Smit Shah, president of the body.

“In the next phase, tactical drone procurements in India may exceed 200 billion rupees, or more than $2 billion,” said Shah, whose Drone Federation India represents more than 550 companies and works closely with the government.