The Indian Air Force has released a Request for Information (RFI) for a lightweight, portable micro drone system intended to enhance the surveillance capabilities of its elite Garud commandos. This compact UAV is designed to be carried in a backpack and weigh less than 25 kg, making it well-suited for special operations in difficult terrains. It is specifically built for extreme high-altitude environments above 16,000 feet, where traditional surveillance systems often struggle, enabling effective monitoring in rugged areas such as India’s northern borders.

The drone is expected to detect human movement from distances of up to 1 km and track vehicles from around 1.5 km, ensuring dependable intelligence collection. It must also function in harsh temperature conditions ranging from -20°C to over +50°C at ground level, proving its adaptability across varied operational settings.

To support stealth missions, the UAV should maintain a noise level below 40 dB, allowing discreet deployment. It will feature vertical take-off and landing capabilities, eliminating the need for runways and enabling operations from almost any terrain—ideal for commando use. Additionally, it must include anti-jamming features and the ability to operate without GPS, ensuring reliability in electronically contested environments.

This initiative aligns with India’s broader “Make in India” program, encouraging domestic companies to develop advanced UAV technologies. With this capability, Garud commandos are expected to gain improved situational awareness, boosting their effectiveness in counter-terrorism, border monitoring, and high-altitude combat scenarios.

Recent defence updates and social media reports indicate that the RFI was issued around March 2026, reflecting ongoing modernization efforts in response to regional security concerns. The move also highlights the IAF’s emphasis on portable systems tailored for special forces, setting them apart from larger drones typically used by the Army.