Latest news with #HAROP
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
What are FPV drones, used by Ukraine to attack Russia?
A Ukrainian drone attack on Russia destroyed more than 40 planes on Sunday (June 1), marking the deepest strikes in Russian territory since the conflict began in February 2022. The attack was carried out just a day before the two countries' representatives were to meet in Istanbul for peace talks. In a video message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that 'Operation Spider's Web' was planned over 18 months, and that they only targeted military facilities with the help of 117 drones. Several sources have said that first-person view (FPV) drones were used. According to Associated Press, the FPV drones were first smuggled to Russia, where they were placed in 'mobile wooden houses'. They were hidden under the roofs of houses, which were remotely opened, and the drones then flew to hit their targets. The Russian Defence Ministry confirmed attacks on five locations, including in the country's far east, which is more than 4,000 kilometres from Ukraine. First-person view means that a person piloting a drone can see what the drone sees, through a camera attached to its body. The live video can be seen through specialised goggles, or on smartphones and other kinds of screens, and the drone can be manoeuvred remotely. Such drones are also used in filming and other non-defence purposes. According to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, one major challenge is that the drones' movement through their surroundings cannot be seen by the drone operator. This can limit situational awareness and may lead to disorientation. At times, another person, a visual observer, may be needed to guide the person controlling the drone. Before FPV drones are deployed, a reconnaissance drone with a larger range first goes to survey the area and zero in on a specific region that needs to be targeted. FPV drones have a much smaller range, of a few kilometres. The key advantages are cost and deep strike capabilities while remaining largely undetected. A Reuters report estimated that the total cost of one such drone equipped with a payload (say, an explosive device) can be as little as $500 (around Rs 42,000). Given the significantly higher average costs of more conventional artillery systems, they make attractive alternatives. 'The tiny, inexpensive FPV (first-person view) drone has proved to be one of the most potent weapons in this war, where conventional warplanes are relatively rare because of a dense concentration of anti-aircraft systems near front lines,' the report added. Even beyond Ukraine and Russia, drones are increasingly being used during conflicts because they minimise the risk to human life by reducing the number of boots on the ground. Technological developments have made them much cheaper over time, while maintaining and even improving on precision. All major defence powers have unmanned aerial vehicles in their arsenal, be it Israel's 'kamikaze' HAROP drones or Iran's Shahed drones. Ukraine has been using FPVs against Russia for some time. A November 2023 Reuters report said, 'The use of agile First Person View (FPV) drones in battle has been one of the most successful of the various low-cost strategies Ukraine has used to defend itself from a full-scale invasion by Russia, its much richer and more powerful neighbour.' Therefore, it is also a part of an attrition strategy. Both countries have since increased the production of indigenous drones. A NATO official told Foreign Policy in 2024 that more than two-thirds of the Russian tanks that Ukraine's military had destroyed in recent months were thanks to FPV drones. Forbes reported that Ukrainian makers Vyriy Drone officially handed over the first batch of 1,000 'all-Ukrainian' FPV drones in March this year. Ukraine is also on course to produce over four million drones this year, the report added. Domestic capabilities matter from the perspective of protecting a country's defence system from external shifts. For example, many of the chips used in these drones come from China, which has occasionally threatened export controls when it comes to Ukraine. A report from the think tank Center for Strategic & International Studies last year said that China is the 'undisputed leader in commercial drone production'. It added, 'The DJI Technology Company, a Chinese company and the world's largest commercial drone manufacturer, holds a remarkable 90 percent share of the U.S. commercial drone market and 80 percent of the global consumer drone market. China also leads in the production of essential drone components, such as small lithium-ion batteries, with Contemporary Amperex Technology Company, Limited, being the largest battery maker by capacity.'
India.com
11-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
India's Operation Sindoor destroyed Pakistan terror camps, India's real friend Israel helped India with...
Representative AI image Operation Sindoor update: In a significant escalation between the two countries, India responded to Pakistan with massive attacks on the terrorist infrastructure of Pakistan through its operation named 'Operation Sindoor'. Most importantly, the Indian operation against Pakistan terror camps witnessed a massive role of drones that were used to target terror targets in Pakistan. Talking about the Pakistan side, the Pakistan military sent hundreds of Turkey made drone to India after it conducted 'Operation Sindoor'. The point which needs a special mention amid the India-Pakistan ceasefire is the fact how India was supported by Israel through its high-tech technology. As per media reports, India used Israeli HAROP drones which Defence manufacturer Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) described it as the 'King of the Battlefield'. As per a report published in The Times of Israel, Israeli drones have further strengthened the already developed defense relationship between India and Israel with the support of Israeli-made drones in its recent cross-border attacks against Pakistan. 'India's deployment of Israeli-made drones in its recent cross-border attacks against Pakistan has attracted global attention not just for its tactical implications but also for what it signals about the strategic depth of India's developing alliance with Israel', the Times of Israel wrote. Therefore, it can be said that Israel's role in India-Pakistan conflict was very significant and it helped India attack the terror camps in Pakistan in the Operation Sindoor. PM Modi takes stock after 'Operation Sindoor' concludes In a significant development on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and congratulated the armed forces for their decisive actions After the successful conclusion of anti-terror 'Operation Sindoor' and announcement of ceasefire with Pakistan, as per a report by news agency IANS. National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan and the three service chiefs were present in the 50-minute meeting — the second on Saturday — which saw unanimity on the issue of maintaining a high alert. The meeting also concluded with a decision to continue to keep the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, maintain suspension of visas to Pakistanis and not restart the Kartarpur pilgrimage yet. (With inputs from agencies)
New Indian Express
11-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Drones to the frontline: The future of warfare is here
HYDERABAD: The ceasefire announcement between India and Pakistan may have eased immediate tensions, but it also highlighted the changing face of modern warfare. For residents near conflict zones, the brief period of hostilities left behind images of a high-tech battleground, where waves of drones lit up the night sky and were intercepted by Indian defence systems. Once associated with everyday tasks like deliveries and event filming, drones have now taken centre stage in combat. Their role in the India-Pakistan conflict marks the first instance of widespread drone deployment by two nuclear-armed neighbours, adding complexity to an already volatile region. Prem Kumar Vislawath, CEO and co-founder of Marut Drones, told TNIE: 'Drones have reshaped modern warfare. They deliver real-time intelligence, enable precision strikes, and enhance situational awareness — all while minimising risk to personnel.' He pointed out that drones are used not just for surveillance or attack, but also to mislead enemy defences. 'They're used as decoys, suppress air defences, and can trigger radar emissions targeted by loitering munitions or anti-radiation missiles.' Besta Prem Sai, CEO of Vecros, believes drones are moving beyond remote-controlled tools. 'We envision drones that don't just follow instructions, but take on dangerous tasks and freeing humans for strategic roles,' he said. Vectros' autonomous drone, ATHERA, uses spatial AI and eight cameras to navigate complex terrains and make independent decisions, even when GPS or radio signals are jammed. India's drone capabilities have evolved rapidly. From early surveillance models, India now has systems like the loitering munition HAROP, capable of hovering, streaming live video, assessing targets and aborting missions mid-air. 'That kind of flexibility isn't possible with traditional precision weapons,' said Prem Kumar. He added that India is also investing in swarm drones — systems that operate in coordinated groups to overwhelm enemy defences.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Escalation feared as India, Pakistan continue drone war, clashes
In the escalating conflict between Pakistan and India, troops from both countries have once again engaged in overnight fights. The surging escalation triggered global concerns that the time might be running out to prevent a full-blown conflict between nuclear-armed rivals. India's army accused Pakistan of launching "multiple attacks using drones and other munitions along the entire western border" during the night. The drone attacks were reportedly repelled, the army announced on the platform X and the Indian army also retaliated, it said. It accused Pakistan of multiple ceasefire violations. Islamabad initially did not comment on the allegations. At least one woman was killed and four other civilians were injured from artillery fire in the Indian-administered part of the Himalayan region of Kashmir, the newspaper The Indian Express reported, citing government officials. This brings the number of civilian deaths in India to 17 since Wednesday, according to India. Pakistan claims it shot down 50 drones The Pakistani military said forces shot down nearly 50 more Israel-manufactured HAROP drones launched by India overnight and Friday morning on the third day of clashes between South Asian neighbours. This brought the total number of fallen Indian drone in Pakistan to 77 since Wednesday night, Information Minister Atta Tarar said. At least six more Pakistani civilians died and more than two dozen were injured as Indian troops fired artillery on villages across Kashmir border, local disaster management agency said. The clashes started when India launched a series of air and surface missile strikes inside Pakistan on Tuesday night, killing at least 33 people, the military said. New Delhi said strikes targeted hideouts of Islamist jihadist groups allegedly behind last month's deadly terrorist attack in Indian part of Kashmir that had killed 26 tourists in Kashmir. India blames Pakistan for backing several Islamist militants groups behind deadly attacks in Kashmir - an allegation Islamabad denies. Pakistan said those killed in the strikes were civilians including children as young as three and women. Mediation efforts underway Several world capitals continued their efforts to prevent further escalation following the worst clashes between Indian and Pakistan since their Himalayan conflict in 1999. The deputy prime minister of Saudi Arabia, one of Pakistan's closest allies, arrived in Islamabad on Friday after vising New Delhi for US-backed efforts to seek de-escalation. Adel al-Jubeir was set to meet Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Ishaq Dar, deputy prime minister, to share Indian proposals for easing tensions. Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy called his Indian and Pakistani counterparts to urge both the countries to show restraints. Islamabad vowed to retaliate to Indian missile strikes at the time of its liking, stoking fears of a spiralling escalation. The war cabinet on Wednesday authorized the military to retaliate against Indian strikes, as the rising escalation could lead to a full-blown conflict and even a long-term war. Parts of airspaces and several dozen airports remained closed in both countries, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. Conflict affecting cricket - beloved by both sides High-valued leagues of cricket, a popular sport in South Asia, were suspended in both India and Pakistan as international players refused to play under the cloud of war. India and Pakistan have fought three wars since their independence in 1947 over the control of Kashmir, parts of which are controlled by both countries, though the two nations each claim in is theirs.
News18
09-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
Has India-Pakistan Drone War Started? Here Are The Details Of The Drones Deployed
Last Updated: HAROP drones, a loitering munition, were reportedly used by Indian armed forces to carry out precision strikes on air defence systems in Pakistan In a dramatic escalation late Thursday evening, Pakistan attempted to attack 15 cities in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan. However, the 50 drones launched by Pakistan were neutralised by the Indian Army's Air Defence units late Thursday. In a comprehensive counter-drone operation, the Army Air Defence units deployed advanced weaponry including L-70 guns, Zu-23mm, Schilka systems, and specialised counter-UAS equipment across multiple sectors including Udhampur, Samba, Jammu, Akhnoor, Nagrota and Pathankot. The armed forces used the S-400 Sudarshan Chakra defence missile system to take down Pakistani drones and missiles fired towards the 15 Indian cities. Let us look at the drones used by the two countries. Drones Used By India HARPY: The drones are designed to target enemy air defence systems in Pakistan. They are optimised for the suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD) role. It carries a high-explosive warhead. Equipped with an Anti-Radiation (AR) seeker, HARPY can autonomously seek and strike emitting, high-value targets. It operates in deep strike missions lasting up to 9 hours, day and night, in all weather conditions, and in Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)-denied or contested battlefields. It is equipped to hunt, seek targets in a designated area, locate and identify their frequency, and autonomously pursue a strike from any direction, at shallow or steep dive profiles. Heron: India inducted the Heron Mark-2 drones in 2023, with which it has significantly expanded its high-altitude surveillance and strike capability. The drones are capable of monitoring both China and Pakistan frontiers in a single sortie. An upgrade to the long-serving Heron Mark-1, the Mark-2 features a 3,000-km range and 24-hour endurance. It is outfitted with synthetic aperture radar, EO/IR cameras, and a laser designator—allowing for around-the-clock reconnaissance and precision target marking. Drones Used By Pakistan The Indian Army successfully shot down 50 swarm drones deployed by Pakistan to breach the LoC and International borders on Thursday evening. Swarm Drones: SWARM stands for 'Smart War-Fighting Array of Reconfigured Modules." A Swarm drone typically consists of multiple drones working in coordination, communicating with one another, and sharing information to achieve a common objective. These drones can range from small quadcopters to larger fixed-wing drones. The swarm's strength lies in its ability to function as a collective unit, leveraging swarm intelligence algorithms and advanced software to operate seamlessly and efficiently. These drones are equipped with AI and can communicate with each other as well as with the control station. Which India Cities Did Pakistan Target? Pakistan attempted to engage military targets in 15 cities –Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj. However, the planned attacks were averted by the Indian Army. The attack comes after India launched missile strikes on May 7 against nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, marking the latest phase of Operation Sindoor. The strikes targeted key terrorist strongholds, including Jaish-e-Mohammad's Bahawalpur base and Lashkar-e-Taiba's Muridke facility, and were a direct response to the killing of 26 civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. In retaliation, the Indian Armed Forces on May 8 struck Pakistani Air Defence Radars and systems. India stressed that its response mirrored the scale and intensity of the Pakistani strikes but remained within the bounds of proportionality. The statement further said Pakistan had intensified its unprovoked artillery fire across the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir. Mortars and heavy-calibre artillery were fired in the Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, and Rajouri sectors. Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : drones india india Pakistan relations Indian Army News18 Explains Operation Sindoor Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 09, 2025, 12:50 IST News explainers Has India-Pakistan Drone War Started? Here Are The Details Of The Drones Deployed
