Share on

xfacebooklinkedininstagramreddit
Sandeep Pratap Singh
Written By Sandeep Pratap Singh
170
2 Mins

Tata Advanced Systems has announced it will build a new long-range drone that can fly for over 24 hours. 

This drone will help the Indian military with border surveillance and intelligence missions, and it’s part of India’s push to make more defence equipment within the country.

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a top Indian defence and aerospace company, has announced plans to develop a new type of drone called a MALE UAV (Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle). 

This is a big step forward for India in building its own advanced unmanned systems and its features include:

  • The drone will have a rear-mounted propeller engine, which helps it fly more smoothly and quietly,  especially important during long surveillance missions.

  • It will be equipped with an Electro-Optical (EO) sensor, which allows it to capture high-quality video and images.

  • The UAV will use a tailwheel landing gear system, suggesting it will be strong and able to take off and land even on short or rough runways.

TASL hasn’t shared when the first prototype will be ready or when testing will begin. However, this project comes at a time when India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force are all looking for a long-endurance drone that can:

  • Fly above 30,000 feet

  • Stay in the air for over 24 hours

MALE UAVs are essential for military missions like:

  • Border surveillance during peacetime

  • Intelligence gathering during conflicts

By developing this drone at home, India aims to reduce its dependence on foreign drones like:

  • The Israeli Heron

  • The American MQ-9B

India is already working on the TAPAS-BH-201, a similar drone developed by DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation). 

But now, TASL’s entry into the MALE UAV space brings a private-sector option that could speed up innovation, cut costs, and promote ‘Make in India’ goals under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative.

As of now, details about the drone’s full capabilities like its sensors, control systems, communication technology, or whether it can carry weapons, haven’t been revealed. 

But experts are keeping a close eye, especially since India is focused on modernizing its surveillance and drone strike systems with newer technologies.


Categories
View All