India set for $2-billion drone order in biggest buy, industry body says: report

Key points

• India is likely to order more than $2 billion worth of military drones from domestic firms this year in its biggest such purchase, an industry body working with ​the government told Reuters, as global and regional conflicts boost demand.
• The plans are ⁠in advanced stages with deliveries expected over 18 to 24 months, for a jump in value from recent government orders worth 30 billion rupees ($313 million) for tactical-class drones, said Smit Shah, president of the body.
• “In the next phase, tactical drone procurements in India may exceed 200 billion rupees, or more than $2 billion,” said Shah, whose Drone Federation India represents more than 550 companies and works closely with the government.
• Shah said the new orders may follow a fast-track procurement route designed to meet urgent ⁠operational needs, with deliveries probably needed within 24 months.
• The defence ministry did not immediately ⁠respond to requests for comment on...