The Indian Navy is actively seeking to acquire medium-range loitering munitions, aiming for a significant enhancement in its strike capabilities with a minimum operational range of 1,000 km. This development, outlined in a Request for Information (RFI) by the defense ministry, focuses on versatile systems that can be ship-mounted for engaging both maritime and land-based targets.

The Indian Navy is actively seeking to acquire medium-range loitering munitions, aiming for a significant enhancement in its strike capabilities with a minimum operational range of 1,000 km. This development, outlined in a Request for Information (RFI) by the defense ministry, focuses on versatile systems that can be ship-mounted for engaging both maritime and land-based targets.

The Indian Navy is actively seeking to acquire medium-range loitering munitions, aiming for a significant enhancement in its strike capabilities with a minimum operational range of 1,000 km. This development, outlined in a Request for Information (RFI) by the defense ministry, focuses on versatile systems that can be ship-mounted for engaging both maritime and land-based targets.

The Indian Navy is looking to acquire medium-range loitering munitions capable of striking targets at sea and on land at ranges of at least 1,000 km, in what could be seen as an attempt to significantly expand the reach of weapons that can be operated from its ships.

According to a Request for Information (RFI) issued by the defence ministry, the government intends to induct Loitering Munition (Medium Range), or LM (MR), systems capable of sea-based, ship-mounted operations.

The proposed system is envisaged as a "universal Loitering Munition system" that can be operated from ships and used to engage "opportune targets at sea and on land".

Among the most significant requirements laid down in the RFI is a maximum range of at least 1,000 km. The loitering munition should also be capable of remaining airborne for at least nine hours.

The Navy wants the system to have a loitering speed of at least 75 knots and a dive or attack speed of at least 200 knots. It should be capable of operating at a ceiling height of 15,000 feet.

The RFI also specifies a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of less than one metre.

For communication and control, the weapon is required to have both RF (Radio Frequency) and SATCOM (Satellite Communications).

The Navy wants the LM (MR) to provide an all-weather anti-ship and land-attack capability against both single and multiple targets.

Another important requirement is the ability to transfer control of the loitering munition between multiple control stations located on land as well as aboard ships at sea.

The system is also required to feature a modular and scalable architecture that would allow additional sensors to be installed and integrated.

The RFI specifies that the system should have G3N compatibility and be capable of carrying out operations even in a GNSS-denied environment.

Despite its long range and endurance requirements, the Navy wants the loitering munition itself to remain relatively compact. Its length should not exceed 2.5 metres, while its wingspan should be no more than three metres.

The warhead is required to be installed in the forward section of the munition.

The LM (MR) will be stored aboard Indian Navy ships inside dedicated canisters, according to the requirements.

The defence ministry said the proposed induction is intended to provide the capability to address "adversary targets at sea and on land".

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