Indian Navy Vice Chief assures DRDO about order for upgraded TAPAS UAV
.jpg "Indian Navy Vice Chief assures DRDO about order for upgraded TAPAS UAV") |
| TAPAS BH-201 MALE UAV |
Vice Adm. Krishna Swaminathan, Vice Chief of the Indian Navy, recently provided an update on India’s Tactical Advanced Platform for Aerial Surveillance (TAPAS) drones. He commented that the TAPAS drones "in their current form do not entirely meet our requirements," underlining the Navy’s interest in acquiring MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones, which possess advanced capabilities better suited to current operational needs. Nonetheless, he expressed optimism about TAPAS’s potential future advancements, saying, "We hope the next version of TAPAS will be much better. We look forward to that day when we can make such drones like the MQ-9B, and maybe TAPAS is the right way to go."
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), TAPAS is India’s premier long-endurance drone designed for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Despite the preference for indigenous options, Swaminathan’s remarks emphasize that TAPAS still requires significant enhancement to fully align with the Navy’s stringent performance standards.
DRDO is already working on critical upgrades to bring TAPAS up to par with military specifications. These improvements include equipping the drone with a new, more powerful 220 horsepower engine, aimed at boosting the platform’s ability to reach and sustain higher cruising altitudes. This upgrade addresses one of TAPAS’s current operational limitations. Additionally, adjustments to reduce aerodynamic drag and optimize weight will enhance flight efficiency and extend endurance. The aim is to make TAPAS a strong contender against international platforms like the MQ-9B, offering an indigenous option with competitive surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
The Indian Navy has specific operational needs for drones, which include persistent surveillance, maritime patrol, and reconnaissance over vast oceanic areas. These missions require high endurance, reliability, and the integration of advanced sensor payloads, all features where the MQ-9B excels. The MQ-9B SeaGuardian, an upgraded version of the Predator-B, is known for its extensive range, advanced sensor packages, and effectiveness in complex maritime conditions. With a proven track record in multiple theaters, the MQ-9B sets a high standard for maritime surveillance, fitting well with the Navy’s strategic requirements.
To address the immediate capability gap, the Indian Navy’s decision to acquire MQ-9Bs ensures ongoing, high-quality maritime surveillance, while TAPAS continues to be refined. This interim solution allows for uninterrupted monitoring of India’s extensive maritime borders.
Despite TAPAS’s current limitations, both the Indian Navy and Indian Army have expressed their intent to procure the UAV once DRDO completes the necessary enhancements. Both services plan to acquire ten TAPAS units each, with expectations that future versions of the drone will offer improved payload capacity, modular mission-specific designs, and greater endurance. These upgrades are critical to meeting the comprehensive surveillance and operational demands of the Indian Armed Forces.
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