To boost indigenous unmanned surveillance capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has proposed the purchase of 10 TAPAS drones to the central government. Defence officials announced on Sunday that six of these Made-in-India drones are designated for the IAF, while the remaining four are for the Indian Navy.
The IAF will lead the induction and acquisition process for the TAPAS drones within the defence forces. This proposal is expected to be reviewed soon by the Defence Ministry, with the IAF and Indian Navy currently the only branches involved in this purchase.
TAPAS drones, classified as medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) drones, have been developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Manufacturing will be handled by a consortium of Bharat Electronics Limited and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The Tactical Airborne Platform for Aerial Surveillance Beyond Horizon-201 (TAPAS BH-201), formerly known as Rustom-II, is being developed to meet surveillance needs similar to the General Atomics MQ-1 Predator.
The addition of six indigenous TAPAS drones will enhance unmanned surveillance capabilities on both the northern and western fronts. The IAF has strongly supported the Make in India initiative in defence, placing or planning orders for 180 LCA Mark 1A and 156 LCH attack helicopters, valued at approximately Rs 1.6 lakh crore.
The Indian Navy plans to use the TAPAS drones for maritime surveillance. Delivery of these drones is expected to be expedited, with the first unit ready for deployment within 24 months of contract signing. DRDO continues to work on improving the TAPAS project.
The TAPAS drones have faced challenges in meeting the Joint Services Qualitative Requirements, such as sustained flight at 30,000 feet for over 24 hours. As a result, they have been excluded from mission mode projects. However, during trials, the TAPAS drones achieved an altitude of 28,000 feet and an endurance of over 18 hours.
The IAF’s proposal underscores its commitment to indigenization and supporting the development of domestic defence capabilities. Acquiring TAPAS drones is a step towards self-reliance in defence technology and strengthens the surveillance capabilities of India’s armed forces.
The induction of TAPAS drones marks a significant milestone in India’s defence technology journey. Ongoing development and refinement efforts are expected to address existing performance gaps and meet the stringent requirements of modern warfare. The collaboration between DRDO, Bharat Electronics Limited, and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is crucial in achieving these objectives.