Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has expanded its range
of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), introducing additions in both Loitering
Munitions and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform
categories. With a focus on self-reliance in defence technology, the systems
are tailored to fulfill the contemporary security and surveillance demands for
both domestic and international clients.
The company’s latest UAV portfolio includes the ALS 50, ALS
250, ALS 50 MkII, and the IVTOL, each offering distinct operational strengths
ranging from surveillance and reconnaissance to precision strike capabilities.
The Advanced Loitering Systems (ALS) family offers the
following solutions:
ALS 50: A vertical take-off and
landing (VTOL) UAV equipped with all-weather Electro-Optical (EO) guidance for
targeting and striking targets within a range of 50 kilometres. The munition is
capable of carrying a 5 kg HEPF (High Explosive-Pre Formed) warhead suitable
for soft-skinned vehicles, enemy personnel, and light structures. The system is
already in active use with the Indian Air Force since 2023 and also has been
recognised with the Raksha Mantri's “Award for Excellence” in Defence and
Aerospace Sector 2021-22.
ALS 50 MkII: An upgraded version of the
ALS 50 with improved performance and features, including payload, endurance,
range, precision and avionics systems. It has undergone extensive flight
testing and leverages technology already in deployment. ALS-50 family also has
the capability to operate in contested and GNSS-denied environments.
ALS 250: A long-range loitering
munition with a 250 km operational envelop, developed from the ALS 50 platform.
It incorporates an internal combustion engine and conventional takeoff ability,
unlike the ALS-50 that is battery operated and features VTOL. It boasts
enhanced capabilities for extended mission requirements and also the ability to
conduct operations in high altitude regions with a service ceiling of 10,000
ft. It can be deployed with an 8 kg high-explosive pre-fragmented (HEPF)
warhead or an 8 kg tandem anti-armour warhead, depending on the mission
profile.
For dedicated ISR missions, TASL pitches:
IVTOL UAV: A fixed-wing VTOL
surveillance drone designed for operations in unprepared environments. It
offers over 20 km of operational range and more than 120 minutes of endurance,
making it suitable for extended deployments. The system features low acoustic
and visual signatures, built-in anti-jamming capabilities, and rapid
deployability, ensuring reliable performance in contested environments.
Equipped with advanced electro-optical/infrared (EOIR) sensors, the IVTOL
provides high-quality day and night surveillance, enabling real-time
intelligence gathering in diverse operational conditions.
TASL assures that these systems are built on tested
platforms and incorporate advanced indigenous technologies, like advanced
autonomous flight control, secure communication links, and real-time EO/IR data
processing, to deliver consistent performance across varied operational scenarios.
This expansion aligns with India’s push for indigenisation under the
‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, while also catering to the rising global
demand for autonomous systems in modern warfare
India’s Growing Adaptability to Loitering Munitions
In recent years, India has witnessed a significant shift in
its approach to precision strike capabilities, with loitering munitions
emerging as a critical force multiplier across services. The Indian Armed
Forces can be observed increasing the procurement of these systems, recognizing
their utility in engaging targets, especially along contested borders and in
counter-insurgency operations. In the recent Operation Sindoor, loitering
munitions played a key role in conducting Strike and Suppression of Enemy Air
Defence (SEAD) missions. Truly indigenous players like TASL, Johnette, Solar
Group along with other private and public-sector firms,are also accelerating
development efforts to meet the evolving demand of versatile systems in this
domain. The focus on vertical take-off platforms, GNSS-denied navigation, and
high-altitude operability reflects the intent to field loitering munitions
tailored to India's diverse terrain and operational scenarios. This growing
ecosystem allows Indian Armed Forces to absorb the technology quickly in combat
and reduces dependence on costly foreign imports, supporting the goal of being
more self-reliant in defence technology.