National Aerospace Laboratories: Development of loitering UAV
AVIATION & AIRPORTS

National Aerospace Laboratories: Development of loitering UAV

India's research and development laboratory for civil aviation, the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), has issued a request for proposals for joint collaboration in the development, manufacturing, and commercialisation of loitering munition unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

According to the request, NAL intends to jointly develop UAVs capable of carrying a 15 kg warhead, along with 10-15 kg of suitable sensing payloads. The aim is for these UAVs to possess modern performance characteristics, including a loitering endurance of 6 to 9 hours and a maximum range of 900 km, with an overall weight restricted to below 150 kg.

The proposed UAVs will also feature a maximum altitude of 5 km, indigenous hardware and software, the ability to operate without Global Positioning System (GPS) assistance, and stealth capabilities to minimise radar visibility, among other specifications.

The document specified that the bidder is expected to be actively involved in the joint design, analysis, development, and testing of the various subsystems of the loitering munition UAV. Upon successful completion of flight testing, certification, and user acceptance, the bidder will be granted the first right to manufacture, market, commercialise, and provide after-sales support for the UAV.

NAL?s request for proposals comes at a time when drones are increasingly being employed by both state and non-state actors in conflicts around the world, including the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war, the use of armed drones in the Red Sea by Yemen?s Houthi rebels, and the conflict between Israel and Iran.

The document further noted that loitering munition UAVs have gained popularity in recent conflicts due to their distinct advantages over missiles and other aircraft. These UAVs combine features of both UAVs and missiles, allowing them to loiter over a specific area in enemy territory for an extended period until they detect targets. The role of loitering munition UAVs in suppressing enemy defences has been demonstrated in recent conflicts, it added.

India's research and development laboratory for civil aviation, the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), has issued a request for proposals for joint collaboration in the development, manufacturing, and commercialisation of loitering munition unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). According to the request, NAL intends to jointly develop UAVs capable of carrying a 15 kg warhead, along with 10-15 kg of suitable sensing payloads. The aim is for these UAVs to possess modern performance characteristics, including a loitering endurance of 6 to 9 hours and a maximum range of 900 km, with an overall weight restricted to below 150 kg. The proposed UAVs will also feature a maximum altitude of 5 km, indigenous hardware and software, the ability to operate without Global Positioning System (GPS) assistance, and stealth capabilities to minimise radar visibility, among other specifications. The document specified that the bidder is expected to be actively involved in the joint design, analysis, development, and testing of the various subsystems of the loitering munition UAV. Upon successful completion of flight testing, certification, and user acceptance, the bidder will be granted the first right to manufacture, market, commercialise, and provide after-sales support for the UAV. NAL?s request for proposals comes at a time when drones are increasingly being employed by both state and non-state actors in conflicts around the world, including the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war, the use of armed drones in the Red Sea by Yemen?s Houthi rebels, and the conflict between Israel and Iran. The document further noted that loitering munition UAVs have gained popularity in recent conflicts due to their distinct advantages over missiles and other aircraft. These UAVs combine features of both UAVs and missiles, allowing them to loiter over a specific area in enemy territory for an extended period until they detect targets. The role of loitering munition UAVs in suppressing enemy defences has been demonstrated in recent conflicts, it added.

Next Story
Resources

Ajmera Realty launches tree drive on Environment Day

Ajmera Realty & Infra India marked World Environment Day with a large-scale tree plantation initiative—Plant-with-Purpose—across its projects in Mumbai and Bangalore. The drive was inaugurated at Ajmera Manhattan and Ajmera Greenfinity in Wadala, with senior company officials and residents in attendance. The campaign encourages residents to embrace eco-conscious, self-reliant lifestyles by growing useful plants and trees within their communities. Horticulture expert Devendra Bhekar guided residents on creating and maintaining green spaces. Ajmera Realty planted over 500 trees..

Next Story
Resources

Twaron®-reinforced tyre powers Brunel’s solar race car

Teijin Aramid’s Twaron® with circular content will debut in Bridgestone’s race tyres for the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, supporting the Brunel Solar Team’s Nuna 13 car. This marks the first use of the recycled-content aramid in a high-performance race tyre. The Twaron®-reinforced belts help enhance durability, reduce rolling resistance, and maintain lightweight strength—critical for the 3,000-km solar race across Australia. Bridgestone combines this with ENLITENTM tech and other recycled inputs to maximise environmental and performance outcomes. Teijin Aramid, a..

Next Story
Building Material

Kamdhenu Paints launches new wood coating range

Kamdhenu Paints has launched a comprehensive premium wood coating range designed for both interior and exterior applications. The collection includes high-performance solutions like Kamwood 2K PU for a rich matt or high-gloss finish, Kamwood 1K PU for clarity and stain protection, and the Kamwood Melamyne system for a smooth, durable finish. Also featured are Kamwood Wood Stains, which enhance wood grains with vibrant colour, and NC Sanding Sealer for high-build grain filling. The range is supported by Kamwood Thinners for ease of application and optimal finish. Saurabh Agarwal, MD, ..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?