How India Is Closing The Drone Warfare Gap Against Adversaries

As aerial supremacy increasingly defines military strength, drones have swiftly become critical game-changers, reshaping the very nature of modern warfare. Demonstrating their decisive role in recent conflicts such as the Armenia-Azerbaijan war and the Ukraine-Russia conflict, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) now form the backbone of strategic dominance. Recognising the evolving security landscape and advanced drone capabilities of Pakistan and China, the Indian Army is proactively enhancing its UAV and RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) fleet to bridge any gaps.

Islamabad and Beijing possess advanced drone technologies. Pakistan employs armed UAVs like the Burraq, developed with Chinese support, primarily for surveillance along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir. Its fleet also includes advanced Chinese drones such as the Wing Loong series. With its extensive fleet, China deploys UAVs like Wing Loong II, CH-5, and the stealthy GJ-11 along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), particularly in challenging high-altitude areas such as Ladakh, leveraging their operational capabilities.

The Indian Army, responding decisively, has prioritised indigenous innovation, strategic acquisitions, and collaboration with the private sector to boost its drone capabilities significantly. Indigenous UAV projects like the Rustom-2, a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone capable of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), are progressing. In 2023, Rustom-2 reached a milestone altitude of 27,000 feet with 18-hour endurance, indicating significant development towards operational deployment.

Additionally, advancements are being made in the Archer-NG, an armed Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV designed for precision strikes in line with the Army's objective to enhance its offensive drone capabilities. Swarm drone technology is another critical advancement. Successful demonstrations of coordinated operations involving 100 drones in 2023 underline India's growing proficiency in large-scale surveillance and defence penetration strategies.
India has strategically enhanced its drone capabilities through recent acquisitions. The Indian Army currently operates UAVs in the MALE category, such as the Israeli-made Heron and Searcher drones, primarily used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions (ISR). These platforms have been integral in monitoring India's borders and supporting counter-terrorism operations.

Additionally, India has finalised procurement of MQ-9B drones from the United States, including the Sky Guardian variant specifically intended for the Indian Army. Current plans for UAV upgrades include enhancing range beyond 1,000 km for deep surveillance and long-range reconnaissance, increasing endurance to over 24 hours for continuous monitoring, achieving altitudes above 30,000 feet to evade detection, and introducing weaponised drones like the MQ-9B for precision strikes against enemy targets.

Private sector collaboration under the 'Make in India' initiative is another cornerstone of India's drone strategy. Companies like ideaForge, with over 550,000 successful UAV flights and 70% indigenous components, Asteria Aerospace, specialising in security and surveillance UAV solutions, and Garuda Aerospace, known for diverse drone applications from agriculture to disaster management, highlight a robust, collaborative defence ecosystem.

Given India's diverse geographic and operational challenges-from Himalayan altitudes to vast desert areas-versatile UAVs capable of high-altitude surveillance, long endurance, and advanced sensors are crucial. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) to enable autonomous drone operations is another strategic focus, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Globally, UAVs have demonstrated their pivotal roles, from the US use of MQ-9 Reapers in anti-terror operations to Turkey's Bayraktar TB2 drones reshaping battlefield outcomes in Libya and Syria. Recognising these international benchmarks, India is committed to building comparable capabilities to ensure national security and strategic autonomy.

India's proactive and integrated approach-combining indigenous UAV developments like Rustom-2 and Archer-NG, strategic international acquisitions such as the MQ-9Bs, and active private sector participation-positions the Indian Army firmly against future security threats. Continued investment and innovation in UAV technology will ensure India's readiness and operational superiority, safeguarding national interests amid the ever-evolving dynamics of modern warfare.

(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.)