The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was created to make India self-reliant in the defence sector. On February 25, 2018, DRDO successfully flew its Rustom-II, a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle at its aeronautical test range located at Chalakere, Chitradurga.

The Rustom-II appears to be an iconic success of the "Make in India" policy in the UAV sector (Picture source: Army Recognition)

This was the twin-engine Rustom-II's first flight in user configuration with higher power engine. With an endurance of 24 hours, the drone will carry out surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions for the Indian armed forces. The payload of the UAV will include synthetic aperture radar, electronic intelligence systems and situational awareness payloads.

This new drone is emblematic of several other UAVs showcased at DefExpo India, showing a strong will of the Indian public and private sectors to acquire an indigenous autonomy in the drone sector, however not aiming at challenging combat-proven UAVs like General Atomics’ ones, for example. The drone sector appears as an iconic one for the “make in India” policy.