Revolutionizing Warfare: Indian Army Set to Unveil Indigenous Drone Technology by October, Targeting $200 Million in Contracts

By Surabhi Gupta

New Delhi: The Indian Army is taking major steps towards building a self-reliant drone ecosystem and advancing military technology. At a recent FICCI conference on “New Age Military Technologies,” military leaders discussed the need for closer collaboration between the armed forces and the defense industry.

A Call for Readiness

Lt Gen Rahul R Singh, Deputy Chief of Army Staff, emphasized the importance of being prepared for various forms of warfare. He noted that India’s current defense landscape is increasingly shaped by high-tech, AI-driven methods. He insisted that self-reliance in defense is critical, stating, “Atmanirbharta in defence is not an option.” He stressed the need to reduce dependency on foreign technology, especially for crucial drone components.

Drone Warfare Insights

Drones are becoming essential for logistics, surveillance, and combat roles. A senior Major General shared concerns about the lack of indigenous drone manufacturers capable of delivering advanced models. “We don’t yet have a single indigenous strategic partner providing high-altitude drones that can carry significant payloads,” he remarked. This challenge is particularly relevant in areas with harsh terrains, such as Ladakh.

While solar-powered drones are in development, most vital components still come from abroad. The Army has signed contracts worth $60 million recently and expects more in the coming months.

Upcoming Drone Framework

Lt Gen Singh revealed that the Army is finalizing a comprehensive Drone Framework set to launch by September or October 2025. This framework will focus on promoting local production and streamlining testing processes. He called on the private sector to invest not only in manufacturing but also in research and development for essential components like sensors and flight controllers.

Industry Collaboration

In his address, Lt Gen Singh advocated for a “4 Cs” approach: cooperate, collaborate, compete, and don’t complain. He highlighted the importance of partnership between soldiers and the defense industry, stating that successful military operations depend on both parties working together.

Lt Gen Amardeep Singh Aujla pointed out how modern warfare is becoming more complex due to changing geopolitical realities and technological advancements. He noted that multi-domain operations, which encompass land, sea, cyber, and space, are the future of defense.

The Role of Drones in Modern Warfare

Currently, drones are heavily utilized for counter-insurgency and surveillance tasks in places like Jammu & Kashmir. However, many of these drones can’t perform extended missions in high-altitude areas, which poses a significant gap in capabilities.

As one Major General mentioned, “Today, one drone can do what it took an entire platoon to accomplish before.” But without advanced logistics drones capable of carrying heavier loads, the military may struggle in mountainous conflict zones.

Potential Market Growth

Estimates suggest that India’s defense drone market could reach $90 million in the coming five years. The military is actively seeking meaningful collaborations that involve transfer of technology rather than just simple assembly.

In this context, Project Abhyaas Sindoor was introduced to encourage innovative contributions to drone technology, welcoming a diverse range of participants from various industries.

Private Sector Perspectives

Industry leaders like Vinod Sahay from Mahindra & Mahindra emphasized that unmanned systems will shape the future of warfare. Others like Ashok Atluri, CMD of Zen Technologies, noted that indigenous defense companies should be regarded as crucial national assets.

Innovating for the Future

Lt Gen Singh called for standardized testing facilities to expedite procurement and innovation in drone technology. The absence of such resources is currently slowing down the process. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra of IMD highlighted the growing impact of climate events on military operations, asserting that drones will play a key role in disaster response and terrain mapping.

In closing, Lt Gen Singh stated, “We must prepare for the wars of the future, where quick decisions and advanced machines will redefine combat.” This forward-looking stance underscores the urgency for India to innovate and adapt in a quickly changing defense environment.

For more detailed insights on India’s defense strategies and technological advancements, you can refer to The Economic Times or The Hindu.

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