According to multiple media sources, an Israeli company would provide 67 rotary-wing drones to the Indian Army for use along the Line of Control.
The tender for the drones, was floated in early April and concluded on May 2, 2022.
The government-owned Israel Aerospace Industries closed the $3 billion purchase, the article said.
Israeli rotary wing drone features
The drone can hover and works similarly to a helicopter. The average speed of the UAV is 10 metres per second.
At extreme temperatures between -5 and 55 degrees Celsius, the UAV can take pictures and film videos. Additionally, it may “return to home on communication breakdown” and send videos in real time.
According to the report, the rotary wing drones were found to be most successful near the India-Pakistan border, particularly in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Gujarat.
US predator drone deal on hold
According to ANI, the government has already postponed the American predator drone deal in favour of the Make in India project.
The news source claims that the Central government instead thought about buying a homegrown long-range unmanned aerial vehicle with striking capabilities that is currently being developed by a private Indian company in collaboration with an Israeli defence manufacturer.
The American predator drone purchase, which was estimated to cost $4.5 billion for 30 drones, was reportedly placed on hold. Instead, a committee led by a lieutenant general was ordered to analyse the entire transaction.
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