New Delhi. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is preparing to acquire state-of-the-art OFC+RF-based FPV kamikaze drones to strengthen its technical and tactical capabilities. These drones are planned to be deployed in sensitive areas such as Jammu and Kashmir and violence-hit Manipur. They will enable security forces to conduct real-time aerial surveillance in difficult and challenging terrain, and will also develop the ability to accurately target terrorist and militant hideouts.

In this regard, the Communications and IT Branch of CRPF Headquarters issued a notice on November 5, 2026, seeking suggestions from companies, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and other relevant stakeholders before the drone procurement process begins. The notice asks for detailed feedback on the draft Qualifying Requirements (QRs) and Technical Specifications (TDs) of the proposed drones. The force aims to assess the technical standards and available options before finalizing the procurement process.

Companies will have to give detailed answers on technical standards

The CRPF has established initial technical requirements for these drones. The companies involved will be required to provide detailed information about each technical parameter. According to the notice, simply writing "complied" or "not complied" will not be considered sufficient. Companies will also be required to clarify whether they are original equipment manufacturers or authorized sellers. Vendor companies will also be required to provide information about the respective OEM and the authorization certificate issued by them.

Along with surveillance, it will also be capable of unilateral attack.

The proposed FPV kamikaze drones are planned to be equipped with guided strike capabilities in addition to aerial surveillance. They will enable security forces to monitor suspicious activities in sensitive areas and conduct one-way tactical missions targeting high-value terrorist and insurgent hideouts. Their deployment in the mountainous regions of Jammu and Kashmir and sensitive areas of Manipur is expected to help troops monitor vulnerable areas and reduce direct human exposure during operations.

Suggestions and proposals will have to be sent by November 25

The CRPF has directed interested companies and other stakeholders to submit their suggestions and technical feedback by November 25, 2026. The address designated for this purpose is the Communications Directorate, RK Puram, New Delhi. Companies can also submit their information and suggestions via email. The proposed technical requirements will be reviewed based on the responses received.

What are FPV kamikaze drones?

FPV (First Person View) drones are unmanned aircraft that use cameras to provide the operator with a real-time view of their surroundings. Kamikaze drones, on the other hand, are designed to self-destruct upon reaching their target. They are used for one-sided attacks. Such drones are particularly useful for tactical operations in dense forests, mountainous regions, and difficult terrain.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army and Air Force are also preparing to replace their aging Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. As part of this plan, both armies are expected to place orders for approximately 200 indigenous Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) from state-owned aircraft manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This is expected to be another major step toward modernizing the armed forces' air operations capabilities.