In a serious post-Operation Sindoor push to modernise army infrastructure, India has initiated work on its first devoted runway for drones and Remotely Piloted Plane (RPA) at Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, marking a major shift in the direction of sustained unmanned operations.
The 900-acre army aviation base, to be developed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) below the Ministry of Defence, will cater primarily to Excessive Altitude Lengthy Endurance (HALE) RPAs whereas additionally supporting transport plane within the C-295 and C-130 class. The BRO has invited bids for Undertaking Administration Consultancy companies for the Rs 406-crore venture.
2.1-km runway with CAT-II methods
On the coronary heart of the bottom might be a 2,110-metre-long and 45-metre-wide runway. The airstrip might be outfitted with ICAO CAT-II compliant lighting and superior navigational aids, enabling operations in low-visibility circumstances.
Two giant hangars, every measuring 60 by 50 metres, are deliberate to accommodate plane and RPAs, facilitating upkeep, storage and fast deployment. The power is anticipated to deal with heavy plane motion yearly and round 1,500 RPA sorties per yr, translating to roughly 4 drone missions day by day.
Strategic classes from Op Sindoor
The venture follows the intensive use of unmanned aerial methods throughout Operation Sindoor, the place drones performed a key function in surveillance, reconnaissance and precision concentrating on. Navy planners assessed that sustained drone deployment considerably enhanced situational consciousness whereas decreasing dangers to personnel.
Officers consider devoted infrastructure is now important to maintain high-tempo unmanned missions, particularly alongside delicate borders.
HALE RPAs are designed for extended endurance at excessive altitudes, offering real-time intelligence throughout huge areas. In risky situations, such capabilities enable forces to anticipate developments reasonably than merely reply to them.
85-month implementation plan
The venture timeline spans 85 months. Seven months have been earmarked for pre-award actions and preparation of the Detailed Undertaking Report, adopted by 18 months of supervised development. A 24-month defect legal responsibility interval and 36 months of upkeep oversight are constructed into the plan to make sure long-term operational readiness.
For the Indian Military, the Meerut base is anticipated to operate as a strategic nerve centre for unmanned aviation. For the area, it indicators the rising centrality of drone warfare in India’s defence structure.
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