Indian Navy Explores Indigenous Tapas MALE UAV for Patrol in Andaman Sea, Overcoming Altitude Challenges

Defense News , India :- In a bid to fortify surveillance capabilities over the strategically pivotal Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Indian Navy is eyeing the homegrown Tapas Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) laboratory, the Tapas drone encounters a significant challenge – it falls short of meeting the Joint Services Qualitative Requirements (JQRs) by not maintaining an altitude of 30,000 feet for over 24 hours. Consequently, it finds itself temporarily excluded from the "mission mode" category, prioritizing rapid deployment.

Despite this setback, officials express unwavering optimism regarding the Tapas program. A DRDO official declared, "We are committed to continuing the program," emphasizing ongoing efforts by the ADE laboratory to refine the drone's design and enhance its power output. The official asserted, "We will add more altitude and endurance," demonstrating a dedicated resolve to overcome the JQRs challenge.

The Indian Navy's keen interest in the Tapas emanates from its potential to offer persistent maritime surveillance around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands – a critical gateway to the Indian Ocean and a strategic outpost safeguarding India's eastern seaboard. While the Navy presently relies on a combination of manned aircraft and imported Heron UAVs for surveillance, the Tapas stands out due to its domestic development and the prospect of tailoring it to specific Indian requirements.

Highlighted by several promising features, including a long-range electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) payload, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and electronic intelligence (ELINT) capabilities, the Tapas facilitates comprehensive surveillance of surface and airborne threats. This makes it a valuable asset for maritime patrol, search and rescue, and intelligence gathering missions.

Despite the current hurdle in meeting JQRs, the Indian Navy's sustained interest and the DRDO's commitment to development instill hope for the Tapas program's future. With concerted efforts to enhance its altitude and endurance, the Tapas holds the potential to revolutionize Indian maritime security, ensuring the protection of the strategically vital Andaman and Nicobar Islands and reinforcing India's presence in the Indian Ocean.