new delhi, July 28 -- India is evaluating a combat drone deal with a built-in localisation blueprint-potentially marking a turning point in how the country procures and produces high-end military technology. Under a $4.5-billion emergency procurement programme launched soon after Operation Sindoor, the defence ministry is in advanced talks with US-based Shield AI to import its V-Bat combat drones for the Indian Air Force-while also laying the groundwork for local manufacturing through a joint venture with JSW Defence, part of the multi-industry conglomerate JSW Group. The initial deal with the Indian Air Force is set to be worth $35 million, which is the upper cap for a contract being signed under the emergency procurement programme. Meanwh...