New Delhi, July 22 -- At a time when the defence forces are looking to expand their surveillance capabilities with the induction of large number of drones, the Defence Ministry has initiated process to buy 10 Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicles for the Indian Coast Guard to help it keep a close watch on the Indian maritime boundaries with Pakistan and other areas.

"The Ministry of Defence, Government of India, intends to procure Ten (10) Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) for use by Indian Coast Guard," the Defence Ministry said in a Request for Information issued around July 15.

The Ministry said the MALE drones are planned to be used by the Aviation Wing of the Indian Coast...