Indian Army doubles its inventory of Switch UAVs
The Indian Army has ordered hundreds more Switch UAVs from Indian start-up ideaForge. (ideaForge)
The Indian Army continues to boost its fleet of smaller UAVs as it faces tensions along its borders.
Tensions along the border with China have encouraged the Indian Army to get more high-altitude Switch UAVs.
The Indian Army lodged a repeat order with ideaForge on 24 January, exercising an option after last year’s $20 million contract for the hybrid VTOL fixed-wing UAV.
While the company refused to reveal the numbers ordered, an ideaForge spokesperson confirmed they had already supplied around 700-800 systems of all types over the years. The new order is to be completed in a similar rigorous timeframe.
Referred to as the ‘all-terrain dominator’ by ideaForge, the Switch has a 15km range. It will give the army
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
-
![How geopolitics and new military alliances are disrupting combat aircraft procurement]()
How geopolitics and new military alliances are disrupting combat aircraft procurement
Selection of fighter aircraft by national governments has always been political. As markets and allegiances shift against a background of global realignment, who will be the winners and losers as new entrants compete with established suppliers?
-
![Singapore’s interest in GCAP reflects its long-term approach to air power]()
Singapore’s interest in GCAP reflects its long-term approach to air power
A potential interest in joining GCAP is indicative of Singapore’s long-term and methodical approach to defence procurement and could benefit its local defence industry.
-
![Extending mission readiness: where XR adds real value in pilot, crew and maintenance training]()
Extending mission readiness: where XR adds real value in pilot, crew and maintenance training
Extended reality (XR) is becoming increasingly relevant in military aviation training, adding a flexible layer to an integrated ecosystem spanning the pilot, crew, and maintenance domains.
-
![US military tests AI-powered CUAS turret against drone swarms]()
US military tests AI-powered CUAS turret against drone swarms
As the US continues to invest heavily in counter-drone systems, demand for low-cost, mobile and autonomous technologies is on the rise, with Edda designed to align with these emerging requirements.
-
![August crewed air review: KC-390 momentum builds as demand in the tanker market grows]()
August crewed air review: KC-390 momentum builds as demand in the tanker market grows
The KC-390 is building a growing international operator base, but competition in the transport and tanker market is increasingly likely to depend on interoperability, commonality and the strength of supporting ecosystems. Meanwhile, Boeing’s KC-46 and Airbus’s A330 also gained ground in August.
