India Bolsters Drone Warfare Capabilities with $375 Million Procurement
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New Delhi – The Indian Ministry of Defense has authorized the purchase of 87 domestically produced armed drones in a deal valued at approximately $375 million (₹3,100 crore), marking a notable escalation in India’s drone-centric warfare strategy. The acquisition, approved on August 6, 2024, aims to enhance long-range surveillance and precision strike capabilities, especially along contested borders with Pakistan and China.
The Expanding Role of Drones in Modern Warfare
Drones are rapidly transitioning from auxiliary support roles to frontline assets in contemporary conflicts, offering real-time intelligence, target acquisition, and direct combat capabilities. India’s shift reflects a global trend observed in recent conflicts in Ukraine,Syria,and Nagorno-Karabakh,where unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have demonstrated their effectiveness in shaping battlefield dynamics and influencing deterrence strategies.
The procurement focuses on two key UAV platforms: the Tapas-BH-201, a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone developed by the Defence Research and Advancement Organisation (DRDO), and the Archer UAV.The Tapas-BH-201 boasts advanced features including autonomous take-off and landing capabilities, and is intended for extended surveillance missions. The Archer, a tactical armed drone, is designed for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations and precision attacks, and will be equipped with laser-guided rockets and flares. Initial deliveries of the Archer are expected by late 2025, with full operational deployment anticipated by 2027.
Integrating Drones Across the Indian Army
The Indian Army is undergoing a structural reorganization to fully integrate drones at all levels of command.Infantry battalions will receive small, portable security drones for close-range surveillance. Artillery regiments are establishing dedicated “drone batteries” to provide real-time fire adjustment and target identification. Mechanized infantry units will incorporate attack drones into their reconnaissance elements, enhancing their offensive capabilities. Engineer regiments will utilize drones for mine detection, terrain mapping, and battlefield damage assessment. The Army’s Southern Command, responsible for border security with pakistan, is slated to receive the first tranche of drones under this procurement.
This investment aligns with the Indian government’s broader “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative, promoting indigenous defense production. The DRDO and private sector companies like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are playing crucial roles in the development and manufacturing of these UAVs. Further procurements of advanced drone systems, including high-altitude pseudo-satellite (HAPS) drones, are currently under consideration by the Ministry of Defence.
