The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved a Rs 30,000 crore order for 87 indigenously manufactured Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones, set to enhance India’s UAV manufacturing ecosystem. The contract will be split between two bidders, ensuring diverse production capabilities and the establishment of local supply chains for critical components. This initiative underscores India’s commitment to building a robust defense manufacturing base, with provisions for local assembly and testing of essential parts, including engines and payloads. Companies like Adani Defence, Solar Defence, and Tata Advanced Systems are expected to compete, signaling a positive shift towards self-reliance in defense technology.