Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) has expanded its domestic capabilities in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), covering the complete design, development, and production of core subsystems, as per a recent post on social media. These include airframes, autopilots, and ground control software. The systems currently in use are equipped with payloads such as high-resolution cameras, and multispectral sensors, and are designed to be fully autonomous and portable for field deployment.
The UAV systems currently in service are equipped with payloads such as high-resolution cameras, and multispectral sensors, and are designed to be fully autonomous and portable for field deployment.
According to the company’s website, its in-house autopilot and mission control software enable tailored integration of payloads and user interfaces, supporting a variety of mission profiles.
Established platforms in operation
TAS has fielded several UAV platforms under the Advanced Loitering System ( ALS) series, which are already operational and in use:
ALS 50: A vertical take-off and landing ( VTOL) UAV featuring vision-based guidance, targeting, and fail-safe recovery mechanisms. It is currently deployed with Indian defence forces and has been recognised with the Defence Minister’s Innovation Award.
ALS 250: A loitering munition derived from the ALS 50 platform, offering a range of up to 250 km.
ALS 50 Mk II: An upgraded variant that has undergone flight testing, incorporating enhancements based on technologies already deployed by security forces.
IVTOL: A surveillance UAV designed for challenging environments, equipped with gimballed day/night cameras and onboard image processing capabilities. It has been trialled for surveillance and target tracking operations.
“These systems are based on proven platforms and integrate advanced technologies to ensure reliable performance across diverse operational scenarios,” as per the company website.
Capabilities and applications
TAS stated that the Advanced Loitering System supports autonomous missions with minimal operator input. The platforms feature real-time electro-optical and infrared video feeds, in-flight fail-safes, abort and recovery functions, and can be re-tasked mid-mission. They are engineered to perform in varied weather and terrain conditions.
The company also pointed to its VTOL UAV suited for austere and constrained locations such as hilltops, forested areas, and ship decks. This drone, weighing approximately 18 kg, has a baseline range of over 15 km (extendable to 25 km), offers a flight endurance of up to two hours, and can operate at altitudes reaching 3,000 metres. It transitions automatically from vertical take-off to fixed-wing flight and accommodates mission-specific payloads.
Several of these UAVs were deployed during Operation Sindoor, a cross-border counter-terrorism operation conducted in May 2025. The drones played a critical role in reconnaissance and targeting, contributing to the precision of strikes while minimising collateral damage. These systems were utilised in active combat conditions.
The UAV systems currently in service are equipped with payloads such as high-resolution cameras, and multispectral sensors, and are designed to be fully autonomous and portable for field deployment.
According to the company’s website, its in-house autopilot and mission control software enable tailored integration of payloads and user interfaces, supporting a variety of mission profiles.
Established platforms in operation
TAS has fielded several UAV platforms under the Advanced Loitering System ( ALS) series, which are already operational and in use:
ALS 50: A vertical take-off and landing ( VTOL) UAV featuring vision-based guidance, targeting, and fail-safe recovery mechanisms. It is currently deployed with Indian defence forces and has been recognised with the Defence Minister’s Innovation Award.
ALS 250: A loitering munition derived from the ALS 50 platform, offering a range of up to 250 km.
ALS 50 Mk II: An upgraded variant that has undergone flight testing, incorporating enhancements based on technologies already deployed by security forces.
IVTOL: A surveillance UAV designed for challenging environments, equipped with gimballed day/night cameras and onboard image processing capabilities. It has been trialled for surveillance and target tracking operations.
“These systems are based on proven platforms and integrate advanced technologies to ensure reliable performance across diverse operational scenarios,” as per the company website.
Capabilities and applications
TAS stated that the Advanced Loitering System supports autonomous missions with minimal operator input. The platforms feature real-time electro-optical and infrared video feeds, in-flight fail-safes, abort and recovery functions, and can be re-tasked mid-mission. They are engineered to perform in varied weather and terrain conditions.
The company also pointed to its VTOL UAV suited for austere and constrained locations such as hilltops, forested areas, and ship decks. This drone, weighing approximately 18 kg, has a baseline range of over 15 km (extendable to 25 km), offers a flight endurance of up to two hours, and can operate at altitudes reaching 3,000 metres. It transitions automatically from vertical take-off to fixed-wing flight and accommodates mission-specific payloads.
Several of these UAVs were deployed during Operation Sindoor, a cross-border counter-terrorism operation conducted in May 2025. The drones played a critical role in reconnaissance and targeting, contributing to the precision of strikes while minimising collateral damage. These systems were utilised in active combat conditions.
You may also like
Assam minister alleges attack on CM Himanta Biswa Sarma by Congress workers, calls it 'assault on democracy'
Suruchi Singh and Saurabh Chaudhary win 10m Pistol T4 at National Selection Trials
'No one can stop me': Tej Pratap meets 'partner' Anushka Yadav; defends visit post-RJD expulsion
Video: BMC Additional Commissioner Brutally Thrashed Inside Office During Grievance Hearing
Bengal Police serve notice to Padma awardee monk Kartik Maharaj accused of raping woman in 2013
