IAF Garud Special Forces to get compact Micro UAV with extended range and altitude

The government started the procurement process for a compact unmanned aerial system for the Garud Special Forces. The system is envisioned to be Indian-made with the latest specifications, and to be a two-person-crew, man-portable platform with a minimum mission range of 15 km and endurance of at least 60 minutes. It should operate in GPS-denied environments, feature autonomous VTOL, secure encrypted communications, and multiple modes (autonomous, manual, target tracking). The system would support day and night surveillance, target acquisition, and real-time situational awareness, and includes integrated components such as aerial vehicles, ground control systems, remote video terminals, EO/IR payloads, power systems, field repair kits, and RF data links, all while promoting 60% indigenous content.

The defence ministry issued a request for information for procuring a 'Micro UAV' system for the IAF's Garud Special Forces. The proposed system should support day and night surveillance, target acquisition, and real-time situational awareness, and be capable of operating in GPS-denied environments. It should be a compact, lightweight, man-portable platform scalable to the Indian Regional Navigation System (IRNSS), with autonomous VTOL, secure encrypted communications, and multiple operational modes (autonomous, manual, and target tracking). The system would include aerial vehicles, ground control systems, remote video terminals, EO/IR payloads, power systems, field repair kits, and RF data links. The RFI prioritises Indian vendors, including start-ups and MSMEs, and requires minimum 60% indigenous content under Buy Indian/IDDM categories.

A senior official said the government envisages the design and development of an unmanned combat search and rescue aircraft for the IAF, which could rescue air crew without risking piloted aircraft. The project, planned under Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020, has been 'approved in principle'. The indigenous autonomous system is intended to be a platform capable of ferrying logistic material and supplies in forward areas and inhospitable terrains, including snow-bound heights, where conventional helicopters struggle.