Published: 09:17 AM, 05 June 2026
India set for $2bn drone order in biggest buy
India is likely to order more than $2 billion worth of military drones from domestic firms this year in its biggest such purchase, an industry body working with the government told Reuters, as global and regional conflicts boost demand. The plans are in advanced stages with deliveries expected over 18 to 24 months, for a jump in value from recent government orders worth 30 billion rupees ($313 million) for tactical-class drones, said Smit Shah, president of the body, Reuters reports.
"In the next phase, tactical drone procurements in India may exceed 200 billion rupees, or more than $2 billion," said Shah, whose Drone Federation India represents more than 550 companies and works closely with the government.
Shah said the new orders may follow a fast-track procurement route designed to meet urgent operational needs, with deliveries probably needed within 24 months.
The defence ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the likely purchase order, which Reuters is the first to report.
India's push follows clashes with arch-rival Pakistan in May last year, when both sides deployed unmanned aerial vehicles at scale for the first time, highlighting the offensive potential of low-cost drones.
The conflicts in Ukraine and Iran have further sped adoption globally, driving down costs and reshaping battlefield tactics.
In March, the defence ministry approved a proposal worth about 2.38 trillion rupees ($24.85 billion) to buy transport aircraft, missiles system and "remotely piloted strike aircraft", or armed drones, without giving a spending breakdown.
