Indian Army UAV Bird & GCS Procurement Tender 2026 India - Drone Rules 2021, Industrial License, 50k EMD

Tender Overview

The procurement opportunity is led by the Indian Army under the Department of Military Affairs for an integrated UAV Bird system, including UAV Bird (Drone), a Ground Control Station (GCS) software with payload operation capability, and GCS-compatible hardware. The bid covers drone classification per Drone Rules 2021 with emphasis on maximum all-up weight, flight performance, payload housing with optical and thermal cameras, and required industrial licensing. A single package appears to be in scope, with the potential to adjust quantities by up to 25% during contract execution. The tender envisions a robust surveillance capability with manufacturer-supplied components validated for defense use in India.

Technical Specifications & Requirements

• Product names in scope: UAV Bird (Drone), Ground Control Station (GCS) software including payload operation control, and GCS-compatible hardware.
• Surveillance payloads: availability of a camera in payload housing and a thermal camera in payload housing.
• Drone classification: alignment with Drone Rules 2021 including Type Certificate, sub-category, and maximum all-up weight with the lower weight not included in the range.
• Performance metrics: specify Maximum all-up weight, Maximum flight time at max weight, Maximum wind resistance, and Maximum flight distance (one-way) as per the drone rules.
• Approvals: require Industrial License issuance by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry under the Industries Development and Regulation Act, 1951.
• Delivery terms: generic option clause for quantity variation up to 25%, with delivery timing linked to last date of order and extended periods.

Terms, Conditions & Eligibility

• EMD: ₹50,000.
• Option clause: quantity may be increased/decreased by up to 25%, with adjusted delivery timelines and minimum 30 days extension rule.
• Delivery schedule: tied to original delivery period and extended periods per option exercise; compliance required for all items in scope.
• Payment terms: not explicitly stated; bidders should align with standard defense procurement practices and contract terms.
• Documentation: bidders must be prepared to furnish GST, PAN, experience certificates, financials, and required OEM authorizations per defense tender norms.