New Delhi: India is moving ahead with plans to strengthen its naval strike capabilities through a major Indian Navy Loitering Munition Project. According to reports, the Defence Ministry has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for a ship-launched loitering munition system that could be worth around Rs 15,000 crore to Rs 18,000 crore. The project is expected to focus on indigenous manufacturing, with Indian defence companies such as Bharat Forge and Solar Industries emerging as potential contenders.
What Is The Indian Navy Loitering Munition Project
The Defence Ministry has reportedly begun the early procurement process for a new ship-launched loitering munition system for the Indian Navy. The goal is to improve India’s long-range surveillance and precision strike capabilities while supporting the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and defence indigenisation efforts.
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Loitering munitions are advanced weapons that can stay in the air for a long time, search for targets, and then strike with high accuracy once a target is identified. They combine the capabilities of drones and guided missiles.
Why Is Indian Navy Loitering Munition Project Important
The proposed system is expected to give the Indian Navy the ability to monitor and engage targets across vast maritime areas without putting ships at unnecessary risk. It would allow naval platforms to stay far from hostile zones while still conducting surveillance and precision strikes.
The project also aligns with India’s broader strategy of reducing dependence on imported defence equipment and encouraging domestic defence manufacturing.
Key Technical Requirements
Long Operational Range
According to reports, the Navy wants a loitering munition system capable of operating at a range of at least 1,000 kilometres. This would significantly enhance the Navy’s reach across the Indian Ocean region.
Extended Endurance
The proposed weapon system is expected to remain airborne for around nine hours. Such endurance would allow it to conduct long-duration surveillance missions before engaging targets.
High-Speed Performance
The Navy reportedly seeks a system capable of cruising at speeds exceeding 75 knots, helping it respond quickly to emerging threats.
Advanced Targeting Technology
The loitering munition is expected to feature electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensors. These sensors would enable day-and-night surveillance, target tracking, and precision engagement in different weather conditions.
Indian Navy Loitering Munition Project: Which Companies Could Benefit
Reports suggest that several Indian defence manufacturers could participate in the programme. Potential contenders include:
Bharat Forge
Bharat Forge has significantly expanded its defence portfolio through Kalyani Strategic Systems and has experience in artillery systems, drones, missiles, and loitering munitions.
Solar Industries
Solar Industries already has experience in indigenous loitering munition development through its defence subsidiary and has supplied such systems to the Indian armed forces.
Other Potential Participants
Industry sources also mention companies such as Nibe and Tata Advanced Systems as possible participants in the programme.
How Will The System Be Used
The proposed loitering munition is expected to engage both maritime and land-based targets. Its ability to conduct surveillance, identify threats, and carry out precision strikes makes it a versatile weapon for modern naval warfare.
The system could help the Indian Navy perform intelligence gathering, target acquisition, and strike missions while maintaining a safe distance from enemy forces.
Impact On India’s Defence Industry
If approved, the project could become one of India’s largest indigenous naval weapon programmes. It would create opportunities for domestic defence manufacturers, strengthen the local supply chain, and support the government’s vision of building a self-reliant defence ecosystem.
The programme may also encourage further investment in advanced drone, missile, and autonomous warfare technologies in India.
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