Indian Army Drone Training Hub Tender 2026 – GEM/2026/B/8081661

The Indian Army, under the Ministry of Defence, has invited bids for the establishment of a Drone Training Hub at 39 Gorkha Training Centre (GTC), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The procurement is being conducted through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) under a competitive two-bid system.

Scope of Work

The project involves turnkey establishment, supply, installation, integration and commissioning of a complete Drone Training Hub. The scope includes five categories of drones (Type A to Type E), drone training kits, working models, simulators, outdoor drone training infrastructure, assembly and maintenance tools, testing equipment, laboratory furniture and associated accessories.

The vendor must also provide structured drone training courses, training materials, handbooks, technical documentation and practical flying exercises. Delivery and commissioning must be completed at 39 GTC, Varanasi, within 60 days.

Professional Qualification Criteria

• Minimum three years of experience in supplying/manufacturing similar products.
• Past performance of at least 50% of the bid quantity in any one of the last three financial years.
• Technical compliance with the prescribed Qualitative Requirements (QR) and specifications.
• Physical demonstration of at least one fully functional drone of each Type A to Type E at 39 GTC, Varanasi.
• Indigenous design and manufacturing by an Indian firm, without foreign-origin hardware/software black boxes.

Eligibility Criteria

The tender is reserved for Class-I Local Suppliers under the Make in India policy, with minimum 50% local content. Only Indian citizens residing in India are permitted to work on the project under a fully Indian indigenous firm.

Eligible MSEs and DPIIT-registered startups may claim applicable experience and turnover relaxations, subject to technical compliance and supporting documents.

Financial Criteria

Minimum average annual turnover: ₹39.90 lakh during the last three financial years. Documentary evidence through audited balance sheets or CA/Cost Accountant certificates is required. Minimum net worth has not been separately specified.

Tender Fee and EMD

No separate tender fee is specified. EMD is ₹3,99,000, payable as per the GeM bid conditions. Eligible bidders may claim EMD exemption under applicable GeM provisions with valid supporting documents. Surety bonds are also accepted.

Submission Guidelines

Bidders must submit their technical and financial bids online through the GeM portal. Technical documents, PAN, GST, turnover evidence, experience certificates, past performance records and technical compliance documents must be uploaded. Shortlisted bidders must arrange physical drone demonstrations at their own cost.

Important Tender Dates

• Publishing Date: 02 November 2026
• Pre-Bid Meeting: 13 November 2026, 11:00 AM
• Last Date for Submission: 23 November 2026, 03:00 PM
• Bid Opening Date: 24 November 2026, 03:00 PM

Warranty: Minimum three years for the Drone Training Hub equipment and at least one year comprehensive in-situ warranty for supplied drones, with provision for four years of additional AMC/support after warranty.

For complete tender details, eligibility assessment, and bid preparation assistance, contact SkillCouncils.com.

               2. Tender details and eligibility comparison table

3. Document checklist for bidders

The following checklist consolidates the documents specifically required or relevant to demonstrating compliance with the tender.

[ ] Firm PAN Card

[ ] GST Registration Certificate

[ ] GeM Seller Registration and relevant business details

[ ] Audited Balance Sheets for the last three financial years

[ ] CA/Cost Accountant turnover certificate

[ ] Work orders/contracts for similar drone supply or projects

[ ] Delivery acceptance certificates / CRAC as experience evidence

[ ] Past performance documents establishing 50% of bid quantity supplied in one of the last three financial years

[ ] Technical compliance statement against all BoQ and QR specifications

[ ] OEM technical datasheets, specifications and supporting certificates

[ ] OEM certificate declaring minimum 50% local content and locations of value addition

[ ] Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for indigenous design and manufacturing

[ ] Self-certification and supporting documents for MSE/Startup/EMD exemption, if applicable

[ ] EMD payment instrument/proof or valid exemption documents

[ ] Technical demonstration readiness for Drone Types A, B, C, D and E

[ ] Working official email address and contact number

Important: The bid specifically identifies Experience Criteria, Past Performance, Bidder Turnover Certificate, Compliance of BoQ Specifications and supporting documents as required uploads. PAN and GST are additional requirements under the buyer-added conditions.

4. Important tender conditions and consultant observations

1. Physical technical evaluation: Shortlisted bidders must demonstrate at least one functional drone of each of the five types at 39 GTC, Varanasi, along with a technical representative/pilot. The vendor bears the expenses.
2. Turnkey responsibility: All fabrication, integration, transportation, insurance, installation, commissioning, training, taxes and duties must be included in the quoted price.
3. Local manufacturing: Minimum 50% local content is mandatory for Class-I Local Supplier qualification.
4. Warranty: Three-year minimum in-situ warranty for hub equipment and one-year comprehensive warranty for drones.
5. Financial security: Successful bidder must furnish 5% ePBG for 14 months.
6. Delivery: The specified delivery period is 60 days.
7. MSE/Startup relaxation: Relaxations are subject to applicable eligibility requirements, documentary proof and technical compliance.

Consultant's observation: Bidders should carefully assess their ability to meet the indigenous manufacturing requirement, five-drone-category physical demonstration, 50% local content threshold and turnkey delivery obligations before submitting their bids.

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