MoD Defines Advanced High-Altitude Micro UAV Requirements for Garud Commandos The Ministry of Defence has initiated procurement planning for advanced Micro UAV systems tailored to the operational needs of the Indian Air Force’s Garud Special Forces. Designed for deployment in challenging Himalayan environments, the man-portable UAV system will feature a twin-rotor coaxial VTOL configuration, allowing launch and recovery without prepared runways. Operating from altitudes exceeding 16,000 feet, the aircraft must provide at least one hour of endurance and a secure operational radius of 15 km while resisting harsh environmental conditions and electromagnetic interference. The UAV will carry a stabilised EO/IR payload featuring HD daylight imaging, 30× optical zoom, and long-wave infrared sensors for day and night surveillance. Autonomous mission planning, encrypted communications, Return-to-Home functionality, and compatibility with GPS, GLONASS, and India’s NavIC navigation architecture are also mandatory. The procurement highlights India’s increasing emphasis on equipping special forces with rugged, high-altitude ISR platforms capable of supporting precision operations in contested environments.
