India resurrects dormant effort to obtain shipborne UAVs
The Indian Navy is interested in a domestically built shipborne UAV. For a similar purpose, Australia recently selected Schiebel’s Camcopter. (RAN)
The Indian Navy has been lagging in an attempt to acquire a shipborne UAV, but a new RfI has reignited the effort.
The Indian Navy (IN) is on the hunt for a naval shipborne uncrewed aerial system (NSUAS), as manifested by an RfI that the navy issued on 29 June.
The navy aims to eventually order 40 NSUAS that can be launched from warships, and which can then perform surveillance and reconnaissance, signals intelligence, target acquisition, monitor sea lines of communication, coastal/EEZ surveillance and build maritime domain awareness for naval task groups.
Secondary functions for the UAVs are anti-piracy and counterterrorism support, and search and rescue.
An NSUAS would comprise two aircraft, these being modular and able to be assembled
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
-
![India’s AMCA fifth-gen fighter roadmap firms up with private sector push]()
India’s AMCA fifth-gen fighter roadmap firms up with private sector push
As a major shortfall in Indian fighter jet capability looms, New Delhi is looking to spread risk and accelerate delivery of its fifth-generation combat aircraft.
-
![USAF plans major CCA expansion with new suppliers and billions in funding]()
USAF plans major CCA expansion with new suppliers and billions in funding
US Air Force leaders say open architecture and broader industry participation will help deliver affordable autonomous wingmen capable of overwhelming future adversaries.
-
![Airbus unveils expansion of uncrewed portfolio with new CCA and helicopter platforms]()
Airbus unveils expansion of uncrewed portfolio with new CCA and helicopter platforms
The manufacturer is betting heavily on the demand for uncrewed systems, revealing the uncrewed H145M – known as the U145 – and the U760 Ravenstorm at ILA Berlin 2026 as the two latest additions to its expanding UAV offering.
-
![FCAS future fighter jet collapse: where does Europe’s next-generation air power go next?]()
FCAS future fighter jet collapse: where does Europe’s next-generation air power go next?
While the New Generation Fighter pillar of the Franco-German-Spanish programme is now officially dead in the water, Germany’s ambition to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet remains – with the country serving as a financially attractive potential partner for other programmes.
-
![Upgrades and fresh orders reinforce demand for Dassault’s Rafale fighter jet (updated 2026)]()
Upgrades and fresh orders reinforce demand for Dassault’s Rafale fighter jet (updated 2026)
The French-made aircraft is lining up potentially huge orders in Asia, with the latest F5 platform designed to keep the jet relevant in the modern battlespace until the 2040s.
-
![France air focus: Lower-cost sovereign capabilities propel $11.38 billion UAV market]()
France air focus: Lower-cost sovereign capabilities propel $11.38 billion UAV market
France is estimated to be Europe’s second-highest spender on UAVs, with a market focused on domestic production, loitering munitions and lower-cost sovereign systems. Its spending profile highlights substantial future market opportunities while reflecting broader industry trends.
