As part of the post-Operation Sindoor revamp, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is exploring an advanced drone interception system to counter enemy drone threats at close range.The IAF’s South Western Command at Gandhinagar has asked for specific drones and is looking at the Indian industry to give solutions.A request for information (RFI) – the first step of the tendering process has been issued. It seeks “Indigenous solutions capable of detecting, tracking and neutralising targets”.The system is envisaged to be designed as a small drone interceptor with launch and forget characteristics. The system needs to be designed to autonomously track and intercept hostile drones.After being launched towards a detected target, the designed system is expected to use on-board sensors, optional datalink and automated guidance to pursue and neutralise the target without any manual control from ground-based controllers.The RFI has been issued by the Regional Aerospace Innovation Division, Gandhinagar (RAID-GN), South Western Air Command, Gandhinagar.The IAF is seeking three types of systems to form a layered system that allows targeting and neutralisation.The first is a man-portable system that can detect and track drones at an altitude of 1,000 metres at a distance of 5 km. The second category of interceptor needs to have a ‘minimum neutralisation’ altitude of 5,000 meters at a distance of 10 Km. It can be a vehicle launched with the ability to fire a salvo of intercepting missiles.The third category of drones needs to have an ability to neutralise targets at an altitude of 7,000 metres and at a distance of 25 Km, with launch capability and also to function as a command and control centre.Besides this, separately, the government is set to bolster the IAF’s elite Special Forces with a new compact unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system, capable of operating at altitudes up to 16,400 feet. Designed for high-altitude surveillance and operational support, the UAV will function in extreme climatic conditions.The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued an RFI to procure the ‘micro UAV’ system, emphasising its advanced range, endurance, and day-night operational capabilities.The system is a lightweight, man-portable platform, marking an upgrade to the current technology used by the IAF’s Garud Special Forces, and aligns with India’s initiative to promote indigenous defence production.The UAV needs to have autonomous vertical take-off and landing capabilities, secure communication, and multi-operational modes.