Army to get drones for covert operations behind enemy lines

Launching yet another drone acquisition project, the Army is now looking to induct 750 mini remotely-piloted aerial vehicles (RPAVS) for its elite Para-Special Forces to execute covert missions behind enemy lines.

"The current volatile situation along the northern borders with China warrants expeditious procurement of RPAVS," the Army said on Tuesday. The man portable RPAVS, each weighing less than 2-kg with an endurance of 30 minutes, will be acquired through the fast-track procedure under emergency procurements in the 'Buy Indian' category.

"The RPAVS will be force multipliers as potent situational awareness devices to provide day-and-night surveillance, along with the ability to scan the target area and provide a processed 3D scanned image of the target to execute special missions," an officer said.