India is moving ahead with a drone surveillance network along parts of its borders with Pakistan and China. The plan involves a coordinated effort to monitor and respond to border incidents with unmanned systems that can extend patrols and improve situational awareness in critical zones. This initiative signals a strategic shift toward enhanced border security through aerial technology and real-time data collection, aiming to create a robust framework for ongoing monitoring and rapid response.
According to the plan, the Indian Ministry of Defense held discussions with representatives from six drone manufacturers. The goal is to equip the army with advanced unmanned aerial vehicles that can deter and counter border incursions. The arrangement anticipates a formal supply contract to be announced in the near term, with government channels outlining a timeline for procurement and deployment that aligns with security needs and field readiness across multiple border districts.
The project envisions an 18-month development window to establish a comprehensive surveillance system. Early estimates place the total expenditure in the vicinity of several hundred million dollars, underscoring the scale of investment required for sustained airspace monitoring. A key feature of the plan is the use of solar-powered aerial platforms designed to maximize endurance, enabling longer patrols and reduced downtime for mission readiness.”