New Delhi, July 27 -- India is seeking a first-of-its-kind defence sourcing deal, with the Centre evaluating a cutting-edge combat drone to be first imported and subsequently localized in India through the JSW Group.

As part of the $4.5-billion emergency procurement plan that the ministry of defence has opened to the Indian Air Force, Army and Navy following Operation Sindoor, US defence supplier Shield AI is currently in talks with the Indian Air Force to supply its V-Bat combat drones.

The initial deal is set to be worth $35 million, which is the upper cap for any singular contract being signed under the emergency procurement plan.

Following the deal, a $90-million joint venture transfer-of-technology contract between Shield AI and J...