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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![US Air Force unveils new details of Next Generation Airlift aircraft to replace C-17 and C-5]()
US Air Force unveils new details of Next Generation Airlift aircraft to replace C-17 and C-5
New planning documents reveal how the service is defining the aircraft expected to succeed the C-17 and C-5, including its initial requirements and procurement roadmap.
-
![Could CUAS demand open a new market for armed trainer aircraft?]()
Could CUAS demand open a new market for armed trainer aircraft?
As affordable counter-drone solutions become a military priority, repurposing training aircraft could emerge as a credible option to prepare for emergency scenarios.
-
![A new shape in the sky? Mapping out the F-47’s configuration]()
A new shape in the sky? Mapping out the F-47’s configuration
As images of what might be an F-47 prototype or proof-of-concept vehicle emerge from the Nevada desert, what do they tell us about the aircraft’s capabilities and enabling technologies?
