Indian Air Force Surveillance Drone Tender 2026 for UAV (V2) with Ground Control Station and Payload Cameras

Tender Overview

Indian Air Force invites bids for a Surveillance Drone / Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (V2) package including Ground Control Station (GCS) software, compatible hardware, and payload housing with camera and thermal camera options. Estimated value: ₹18,00,000; EMD ₹90,000. Scope includes UAV Bird, GCS, and hardware compatible with the drone rules of 2021, with productivity metrics like flight time and range to be compliant. The tender foresees a flexible quantity clause up to 25% more or less at contracted rates, and a delivery period tied to the last delivery order date, including extended time calculations. This unique option clause requires bidders to price for scalable orders while meeting regulatory and technical standards. The procurement targets government aviation surveillance needs and demands robust integration with the GCS payload-control interface.

The opportunity emphasizes compliance with Type Certificate guidance, drone weight classifications, and performance envelopes, plus integration of a real-time payload operation control within the GCS software. The seller must provide both drone hardware and GCS-ready software with compatibility assurances for payload housing, cameras, and thermal imaging. This is targeted at defence-grade surveillance capabilities with secure documentation and delivery control.

Technical Specifications & Requirements

• Category: UAV Bird (Drone) and Ground Control Station (GCS) with payload operation control
• Scope: Drone plus GCS hardware; GCS inclusive software; payload housing with camera and thermal camera options
• Classification: Type Certificate aligned per Drone Rules, 2021; weight, range, and endurance to meet regulatory categories
• Performance metrics: Maximum all-up weight, maximum flight time, and maximum flight distance to be defined by drone rules; values to be provided by bidders
• Hardware compatibility: GCS hardware must be compatible with avionics, payloads, and software for payload operation control
• Payload: Inclusion of camera and thermal camera in payload housing is required
• Standards & testing: Compliance with drone safety and certification norms; vendor to confirm payload integration testing capabilities
• Delivery expectations: Formal delivery schedule referencing the last delivery order date; option clause may adjust delivery timelines with minimum 30 days
  after adjustment

Terms, Conditions & Eligibility

• EMD: ₹90,000 (earned during bid submission) or per tender guidelines
• Quantity flexibility: Up to 25% increase/decrease at contract award; extended delivery time calculated as (additional quantity / original quantity) × original delivery period with a minimum of 30 days
• Delivery terms: Delivery period tied to last date of original delivery order; extensions follow defined option clause
• Experience/ qualifications: Defence-grade surveillance systems experience preferred; explicit years not listed; bidder to demonstrate capability for GCS and UAV integration
• Payment terms: Not specified in data; bidders should confirm parallel terms in contract
• Documentation: GST, PAN, experience certificates, financial statements, EMD submission proof, OEM authorizations, and technical bid documents as applicable
• Warranty/Support: Not specified; bidders should seek clarity on warranty and after-sales support during bid submission
• BOQ: No BOQ items listed; bidders must align with supplied scope of UAV, GCS, and payload components