India fast-tracks indigenous MALE drones as US trade rift stalls big-ticket deals
Adani Defence’s Drishti-10 MALE UAV is a contender in India’s $3.4B tri-service drone push. (Photo: Adani Defence)
With US tariffs and stalled defence talks slowing imports, India has cleared a $3.4 billion plan for 87 tri‑service MALE UAVs with 60% indigenous content – accelerating self‑reliance as operational lessons from May’s four‑day conflict drive urgency.
US disapproval and the failure to reach a trade deal – paired with escalated tariffs on India following sustained defence and oil imports from Russia – have put several defence purchases on ice.
The tariff retaliation has hit deals valued at US$9 billion to $10 billion, which are unlikely to proceed until trade tensions ease. India appears to have paused plans for new US weapon acquisitions: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh postponed his recent US visit intended to discuss the $3.6 billion Boeing P‑8I buy and co‑production talks for Stryker vehicles and Javelin missiles.
Amid delays in US deliveries – particularly
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Lockheed’s deal to triple PAC-3 MSE production opens doors to portfolio boost]()
Lockheed’s deal to triple PAC-3 MSE production opens doors to portfolio boost
The framework agreement with the US Department of Defense would see Lockheed Martin increase production capacity from 600 to 2,000 interceptors per year.
-
![Bell advances to next stage of US Army’s aviator training programme competition]()
Bell advances to next stage of US Army’s aviator training programme competition
The US Army plans to award a contract through its Flight School Next competition to replace its UH-72A Lakota by late 2026.
-
![December Drone Digest: Germany, Australia and US champion indigenous UAV production]()
December Drone Digest: Germany, Australia and US champion indigenous UAV production
One of the key trends seen in December has been the rise in indigenous investment within the UAV market, particularly across certain countries, with Germany, Australia and the US focusing on their commitments to sovereign development.
