New Delhi, July 9 -- At a time when Operation Sindoor against Pakistan is still ongoing, India is looking to fast-track the project for acquiring 87 medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) drones to further enhance its surveillance capabilities both over sea and land borders.

Defence sources told ANI that the project under the Make in India initiative for Indian manufacturers aims to boost the capabilities of the armed forces to keep an eye on enemy activities in areas of Indian interest, from the Pakistan border to the China border, and along the maritime zone.

A tri-service proposal of around Rs 20,000 crore, with the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the lead, is expected to be discussed by the defence ministry at a high-level meeting soon, th...