March 06, 2013: In an effort to speed up the Rustom-II MALE UAV programme, the Dehradun-based Defence Electronics Application Establishment (DEAL) has called for quotations on the development of a SATCOM datalink for the UAV, in effect outsourcing a major task required within the programme. "The Data Link System is one of the major systems of UAV that is based on Digital Communications Techniques and provides full duplex communication between UAV & Ground Control Station," the DEAL RfQ states.

The tender provides an opportunity for several Indian private firms that have demonstrated a capability in defence electronics and expressed an interest in working with DRDO to develop robust military datalinks for UAVs, aircraft and other combat assets. The DEAL tender is therefore the first effort towards such partnerships. Interested competitors are expected to turn in their proposals and quotations by April 30 this year. The Rustom-II is expected to make its first flight by Feb 2014.