NEW DELHI, Oct. 27 — The Indian Air Force has projected a requirement for 800 medium-range swarm unmanned munition systems (SUMS) capable of engaging hostile objectives at ranges beyond 350 kilometres, the Ministry of Defence said in a request for proposal issued Oct. 25. Each system must include a swarm of at least 20 drones that can be launched in rapid succession, loiter for a minimum of 30 minutes at ranges exceeding 350 km, and autonomously search for, detect and identify static or moving targets.
“Swarm drones are effective as they saturate enemy air-defence systems, confuse the enemy radars and provide IAF decision makers the option to deploy in a couple of hours against hostile command and control targets,” the RFP noted.
The IAF has specified that the platforms should be fixed-wing and use a hybrid propulsion package combining a small jet engine with battery power. Each drone must be able to carry at least 30 kg of ordnance in addition to mission equipment — sensors, electronic countermeasures, communications suites and navigation aids — and operate from sea level up to 16,000 feet. The systems should be capable of launch and recovery from unprepared surfaces and the deck of a ship, and function in temperatures from minus 20°C to 50°C.
Officials said the push for such systems stems from lessons the services have drawn from recent operations and global conflicts. Drones, they noted, have become a centrepiece of the contemporary battlespace for attack, surveillance and logistics — offering cost-effective capability, force multiplication and reduced risk to human life. The employment of unmanned systems in offensive and defensive roles was a prominent feature during Operation Sindoor, defence sources mentioned, and insights from that operation are informing current requirements.
“There is a clear need for both tactical and strategic unmanned platforms,” a defence official said, noting that the armed forces require thousands of drones across types and roles. “We are focusing on in-house development, rapid prototyping and training troops to handle these systems,” the official added.
Various projects are already under way across DRDO, scientific institutions and industry to design and manufacture drones of differing complexity. Alongside those efforts, the services are emphasising domestic fabrication of tactical drones and expanded training to ensure personnel can operate, maintain and employ swarming munitions effectively.
