India to deploy specialised drones for terrain mapping in Himalayas

The Ministry of Defence today announced its plan to procure specialised drones to gather real-time terrain data for various engineering tasks, including bridge construction and laying mines in the Himalayas.

The drones, called aerial engineer recce equipment (AERE), will comprise 3 fixed-wing UAVs with vertical take-off and landing capabilities. Each unit will provide real-time terrain data, enabling the Indian Army to assess the feasibility of tasks.

Currently, troops must physically climb each slope to check the terrain, a process that takes days. The drones will significantly reduce this time and risk.

The Ministry of Defence has issued a request for information (RFI), outlining the requirements for the drones. These include the ability to operate at altitudes above 10,000 ft, advanced sensor capabilities, and real-time data transmission.

The equipment will be sourced from Indian companies, which must declare the quantum of imported parts, if any.

This development is expected to enhance the Indian Army’s operational efficiency in the Himalayas.