India is taking big steps to become self-reliant in defense technology, especially with drones. As warfare evolves, moving towards non-contact strategies, drones are becoming crucial. Vijay Kumar Saraswat, a former DRDO leader, highlights that future conflicts will rely heavily on advanced technologies. Over the past ten years, India reduced its dependency on imports for defense from 70% to 60%. The focus now is on developing high-tech solutions like long-range missiles, laser systems, and swarming drones to outmaneuver opponents.
Recent global conflicts, such as the ones in Ukraine and Armenia, show that countries excelling in drone technology are those that innovate and adapt quickly. For India, the stakes are high due to ongoing border tensions.
India’s drone landscape is evolving rapidly. The Drone Rules 2021 made it easier for innovation in the sector. The Drone Shakti Mission, part of the 2022 Union Budget, is also fostering growth in drone startups and promoting Drone-as-a-Service models. By 2024, India expects to have inducted 2,500 drones, spending between $361 million and $421 million. Many of these are Israeli-made UAVs.
Despite progress, challenges remain. India relies on imports for essential drone components. Yeshwanth Reddy, co-founder of Unmanned, points out that building a robust local supply chain is vital for the drone industry’s future. Lt Gen Rahul R Singh from the Army echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need for a secure, self-sufficient drone ecosystem. The Army is working on a comprehensive Drone Framework focused on boosting domestic production and reducing vulnerabilities.
On the innovation side, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is building loitering munitions, or Kamikaze drones, to strengthen national defense. India is also exploring swarm technology, capable of deploying many small drones simultaneously to overwhelm enemy defenses.
Not just in developing drones, India is also advancing its anti-drone systems. The D4 System, developed by DRDO, detects and neutralizes rogue drones. Another system, SAKSHAM, employs AI for real-time threat analysis and tracking, while the Bhargavastra uses micro rockets for layered defense. The Indian Army plans to strengthen its defense further by acquiring indigenous detection systems capable of targeting drones with laser beams.
The Indian military is also investing heavily in drone training for soldiers. Each battalion will have dedicated drone units, ensuring that troops are well-prepared for modern combat scenarios. Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi stressed the importance of these capabilities.
The Border Security Force (BSF) is also training specialized units in drone operations for strategic missions. They recently inaugurated a ‘School of Drone Warfare’ aimed at preparing personnel for modern combat involving aerial technologies.
Beyond military applications, drones are impacting life in various sectors. They are crucial for mapping, agriculture, medical supply deliveries, and conservation efforts against poaching. India’s journey with drones reflects not only a shift in warfare but also a vision of using this technology for development. As we look ahead, the future of drones in India promises to be transformative in many ways, both on and off the battlefield.
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UNMANNED WARFARE, DRONES, ANTI DRONE SYSTEM INDIA, UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES, MILITARY DRONES INDIA, PART 3: DRONES, SWARMS, AND LASERS: INSIDE INDIA'S UNMANNED WARFARE PUSH
