Autonomous & Unmatched: How are Unmanned Systems Shaping Future Warfare for India?

The Indian Army's Fleur-De-Lis Brigade recently tested an indigenous First-Person View (FPV) kamikaze drone equipped with an anti-tank munition at the Rising Star Drone Battle School near Pathankot, Punjab.

Led by Army Major Cephas Chetan and Dr. Raghvendra from DRDO's Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh, this drone features a 400-gram shaped-charge warhead, a dual-safety payload mechanism, and real-time feedback through FPV goggles, offering India a precise and cost-effective edge in tactical warfare.

This achievement marks yet another significant advancement in the army's unmanned systems, reflecting strategic innovation and military transformation.

The Global Paradigm Shift

Recent conflicts, notably the Armenia-Azerbaijan war (2020) and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict underline a clear paradigm shift: drone warfare has become pivotal. Tactical drones, loitering munitions, and swarm drone tactics have consistently halted traditional armoured columns, disrupted logistics chains, and incapacitated command structures. India recognises the urgency of mastering this domain to maintain a strategic advantage.

FPV Kamikaze Drones: A Tactical Breakthrough

Drawing lessons from drone operations in Ukraine, the Indian Army developed and operationalised indigenous FPV kamikaze drones equipped with anti-tank payloads. These drones cost approximately ₹1.4 lakh each-significantly cheaper and more agile than traditional missile systems. Over 100 drones have already been fabricated at Rising Star Drone Battle School, with five operational units inducted and 95 more in production.

These FPV drones incorporate dual-safety payload mechanisms to prevent accidental detonation and provide real-time payload status updates directly to operators through FPV goggles, enhancing operator safety, precision, and operational effectiveness.

Infantry-Centric UAVs: Agility and Precision

At Aero India 2025, the Indian Army showcased smaller, agile UAV platforms tailored specifically for infantry units, ideal for close-quarters combat and reconnaissance along contested borders like the Line of Control (LoC). India's strategy contrasts sharply with Pakistan's preference for larger UAVs, giving Indian forces superior manoeuvrability, rapid deployment, and tactical flexibility.

Ground-Based Robotics: The Xploder UGV

Complementing aerial innovations, India introduced the versatile 'Xploder' Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) at Aero India 2025. This robotic platform, developed by Major Rajprasad RS of the 7 Engineer Regiment, performs reconnaissance, explosive payload delivery, IED disposal, and kamikaze missions-significantly reducing human exposure to danger. Its introduction highlights India's commitment to integrating robotics into combat and humanitarian missions.

Operational Excellence: Multi-Domain Warfare Exercises

The recent high-altitude exercise Prachand Prahaar, conducted near the India-China border, demonstrated India's capability to integrate advanced unmanned systems seamlessly into complex combat scenarios. Coordinated operations involving loitering munitions, UAV swarms, and traditional platforms like armed helicopters showcased India's readiness for multi-domain warfare and strengthened deterrence through advanced joint capabilities.

AI Integration and Enhanced Capabilities

Artificial Intelligence forms the backbone of India's unmanned warfare strategy. AI-driven analytics, exemplified by the Integrated Perimeter Security System (IPSS), enables rapid threat detection and situational awareness. Additionally, AI supports predictive equipment maintenance, logistics optimisation, and personalised virtual reality-based training simulations, moving India toward a fully networked, AI-enabled battlespace.

Strategic Autonomy: Commitment to Aatmanirbharta

India's drone and robotic advancements are deeply rooted in its national vision of self-reliance, or Aatmanirbharta. Facilities like Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited's UAV-specific airstrip and testing range in Nagpur exemplify India's growing indigenous drone ecosystem. Private-sector innovations, such as Adani Defence's vehicle-mounted counter-drone systems, bolster India's capability to effectively counter aerial threats autonomously.

Operational Preparedness and Integration

India is systematically integrating drone and robotic systems into future force structures, such as Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) and Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs), ensuring agility, rapid responsiveness, and precise targeting capabilities across India's diverse terrain. Enhanced counter-drone and electronic warfare capabilities secure airspace and mitigate rogue drone threats along sensitive border areas and critical installations.

Leading the Unmanned Revolution

The Indian Army's 'Year of Technology Absorption marked concerted efforts to integrate over 50 advanced AI-driven projects across robotics, autonomous systems, and predictive analytics. These developments position India not merely as an adopter but as a global innovator in drone warfare doctrine and applications.

India's pivot toward unmanned systems represents a deep transformation in military strategy. India decisively enters next-generation warfare with innovations like FPV kamikaze drones, infantry-centric UAVs, and multi-role robotic ground systems. This strategic shift enhances tactical capabilities and establishes India as a proactive, self-reliant leader in global military technology, ready for future conflicts.

Ashu Maan is an Associate Fellow at the Centre for Land Warfare Studies. He is currently pursuing his PhD from Amity University, Noida, in Defence and Strategic Studies.