According to defence officials who spoke to ANI, the military are looking for indigenously manufactured weapon systems that can be installed on these drones when they come.

How can we include indigenous weaponry into this (Predator)? asked Navy Chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar in an interview with ANI on Wednesday.

India and the US are negotiating a deal for 31 Predator drones, and part of the programme includes ideas for creating an unmanned aerial systems hub in the nation.

Many public and private sector businesses have recently created their own weapons and missiles for the armed services. The head of the Navy further noted that numerous high-tech drone technologies are being transmitted.

Here, up to 21 of these drones will be put together, and it will be necessary for startups, MSMEs, and smaller businesses to take part.

Along with a large payload of surveillance and intelligence equipment, the Predator is equipped with air-to-ground missiles and other armaments.

The Indian drones would be outfitted with both land- and sea-based surveillance tools, allowing them to operate in various environments depending on the situation.