"Indian Navy has been operating these drones. They fall in the category of the HALE, (high altitude long endurance drones). So, we realised there is a need for having these drones for better surveillance and increased maritime domain awareness," the Navy Chief said.
The American predator drone deal was put on hold in view of giving a push for the Make In India programme and a committee headed by a Lieutenant General was asked to review the entire deal which was coming out to be very expensive at around USD 4.5 billion for 30 drones.