In a significant development for India’s defence capabilities, Bangalore-based NewSpace Research & Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (NRT) has successfully delivered the first batch of its cutting-edge Tether Drone Solutions to the Indian Army.
This milestone delivery, announced on May 17, 2025, represents a crucial advancement in the Army’s surveillance and intelligence-gathering capabilities, particularly in high-altitude and border regions. The delivery marks the initial fulfilment of what is being described as the Army’s first-ever large-scale Tether Drone contract, secured through the Fast Track Procurement mechanism, highlighting India’s growing prowess in indigenous defence technology development.Contract Details And Procurement Process
The tethered drone contract, valued at approximately ₹250 crore (around $30 million), was awarded to NRT in August 2023 under the Indian Army’s Emergency Procurement powers, specifically through the Fast Track Procurement (FTP) process. This procurement mechanism, introduced after the 2016 Uri terror attack, enables the armed forces to acquire critical equipment valued up to ₹300 crore on an urgent basis, effectively bypassing lengthy bureaucratic processes to address immediate operational requirements. The procurement
The Armoured Branch of the Ministry of Defence’s Integrated Headquarters launched the initiative in January 2023, emphasizing the strategic importance of improving border surveillance capabilities.
The contract required that at least 60% of the drones’ components be indigenous, in keeping with the government’s “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” campaigns. NRT’s engineering prowess and dedication to fulfilling the Army’s exacting specifications are demonstrated by the successful delivery of the first batch within the allotted 12-month period. This accomplishment strengthens India’s strategic drive for independence in vital defense technologies.
Technical Specifications And Capabilities
The delivered tethered drone systems, specifically the Nimbus Scope model, represent advanced surveillance technology designed for persistent observation in diverse and challenging terrains. Unlike conventional drones, these tethered systems are anchored to ground-based stations via flexible cables that provide continuous power and secure communications capabilities. This distinctive design allows the drones to maintain hovering positions at altitudes of up to 200 feet for extended durations-operating for at least six hours in tethered mode and
