Latest news with #UnmannedAerialSystems
The Print
31-07-2025
- Politics
- The Print
China is world leader in drones, Pakistan a peer. India must prioritise UAS to keep up
UAS now dominate the air littoral —the new subdomain of airspace between traditional ground forces and fighter aircraft flying at an altitude of several thousand meters. And it is the control and domination of the air littoral, where UAS and counter-UAS (C-UAS) systems battle for supremacy, which will determine the outcome of future wars. Advances in drone technology have been so rapid that even the US, the world leader in military technology, has been left behind. It has recently begun a radical transformation to adopt and adapt to drone warfare. In fact, for nearly 60 hours , it was the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) which dominated the conflict. Consequently, some analysts called the conflict the ' first drone war ' of the subcontinent. However, critical evaluation indicates that the effectiveness of the UAS was below their potential, reflecting flawed doctrine and tactics as well as a lack of quality and quantity. Operation Sindoor is universally acknowledged as the first modern air war with standoff air-to-air/ground missiles between rivals with peer technological capability. However, during the 88-hour conflict , air power was predominant for only a few hours during the Indian Air Force's strikes on terrorist hubs and the air battle that followed on the night of 6-7 May. And on the night of 9-10 May, when it targeted Pakistan's air bases, radars, and command and control infrastructure to deliver the coup de grâce. The 'affordable by all' UAS should logically be the weapon of choice for India, a developing power. China is universally acknowledged as a world leader in drones, and Pakistan is a peer competitor. Indian military needs to make UAS an intrinsic part of its transformation, and it must do this fast. Drone warfare in Op Sindoor While surveillance and reconnaissance UAS have been used by India and Pakistan for 25 years, the exploitation of armed UAS began only five years ago. Surprisingly, and for inexplicable reasons, it still remains at a nascent stage of evolution. Both nations seem to be obsessed with high-cost legacy weapon systems and have failed to appreciate the impact of the most cost-effective technological innovation in modern warfare since the advent of the aircraft and tanks. Pakistan employed drones en masse but lacked the class or minimum essential quality that makes them effective. During the conflict, it launched about 600 drones in total, on 15 locations on the first night, and on 36 and 26 locations across the western front on the second and third nights, respectively. The enemy drones targeted air defence systems, radars, forward airfields, ammunition dumps, and other defence installations. As per my assessment, only about 100-125 of these drones were armed short/medium range UAS procured from China and Turkey. The rest were indigenous low-end unarmed rudimentary decoy drones, to locate and saturate air defence systems, and for psychological impact. Over 98 per cent of the drones were neutralised with electronic jammers or destroyed by the air defence/composite anti-UAS system of India's Integrated Air Defence Command and Control System. The two per cent that got through caused minimal damage due to a lack of accuracy. It is clear that most of the drones were using basic technology and could not evade or saturate C-UAS/air defence systems. Meanwhile, India used 1,000 AD gun systems and 750 short and medium-range air defence missile systems. One can only imagine the cost of the expensive ammunition/missiles. Indian drone strikes had class, but lacked the mass essential for large-scale destruction. As per my assessment, India used approximately 150 drones of various types. According to Pakistan, IAF used approximately 70-80 Israeli Harpy and Harop UAS for the suppression and destruction of enemy air defence. About 60-70 per cent of these drones were intercepted, and the rest were on target. At least one HQ 9 air defence system and two major radars were confirmed as destroyed. Indian UAS were sophisticated; however, their numbers were inadequate for the scale of the mission. India also used the army's Warmate (Poland), SkyStriker (Israel), and Nagastra (India) tactical drones to target seven out of nine terrorist hubs and some other targets. Drones were also used as decoys and for suppression/destruction of air defence system before the IAF's deep strikes on 10 May. A limited number of indigenous tactical drones were also used on tactical targets, most of which were intercepted by enemy air defence. It is pertinent to mention that each Harop drone costs $ 700,000. With advances in cheap technology, Ukraine and Russia produce similar UAS at 25 percent of the cost. Also read: Bangladesh army chief seems to be cosying upto Yunus. Did 5 people have to die for it? Cost-effective mass Imagine a scenario in which either India or Pakistan had a drone mass with class. Drones would have dominated the air littoral space and saturated/destroyed the air defence systems, while fighter aircraft operating at higher altitudes would have targeted high-value targets and enemy aircraft. Medium/long-range drones would also have been utilised to attack ground targets and even AEW&C aircraft. In fact, 'drones only' operations at tactical/operational/strategic levels are in the realm of reality, as Ukraine has been practising on land and sea the absence of a viable air force and navy. In addition, in standalone mode or in combination with the operations above, special forces or proxies would have been utilised for drone attacks on high-value targets and assassinations in enemy territory. The scope is endless. The possibilities listed above are not fantasy, but technologically and economically doable. More so, when defence budgets cannot increase exponentially to invest in sophisticated weapon systems. In the first year of the Russia-Ukraine war, which began in February 2022, both sides used drones, which were as expensive as legacy weapon systems. These were effective, but soon became unaffordable as the war prolonged. This led to a technological drone revolution to evolve tactical and long-range drones that cost a fraction of the legacy drones. The scale of drones being used today is mind-boggling. Russia plans to produce 2 million first-person-view (FPV) drones, while Ukraine is gearing up to purchase 4.5 million. FPV tactical drones, capable of destroying all types of targets in the combat zone with a range of up to 30 km, now cost only $300-500. The cost increases progressively for sophisticated drones to target high-value targets at longer ranges of up to 1,000 km. Priced at $50,000 to $300,000 depending upon the degree of sophistication, they're still quite affordable, costing ten times less than a missile with a similar range. Each side plans to produce 30,000 long-range drones. UAS now account for 70-80 per cent of all casualties to soldiers and destruction of material/weapon system targets in the Russia-Ukraine war. In comparison, the cost of high-technology legacy weapon systems is outrageous. One 155 mm gun costs $2-4 million and each ordinary shell costs at least $3,000-5,000. A modern tank costs up to $5-10 million and an ICV, $3-4 million. A modern fighter aircraft costs $100-125 million. A shoulder-fired Javelin ATGM control unit costs about $250,000 and each replacement missile, over $200,000. India's 31 HQ 9B Predator deal will cost $3.5-4 billion. An Apache attack helicopter costs at least $100 million. Also read: Thailand-Cambodia clash is more than a border fight—it's a new front in Cold War 2.0 India's way forward There should be no doubt that cheap, precise, ubiquitous, and disposable UAS are dominating the modern battlefield and threatening the supremacy of the ultra-expensive weapon platforms such as tanks, artillery, attack helicopters, and fighter aircraft. However, their effectiveness is fast becoming relative due to an array of passive and active countermeasures and adaptive combined arms tactics. Fully autonomous swarm drones capable of en masse engagement of multiple targets are nowhere on the horizon. At this juncture, their impact on the battlefield is still evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Keeping this in mind, the Indian Armed Forces need to formalise their doctrine for drone warfare and make it an intrinsic part of their ongoing transformation. At the macro level, serious consideration should be given to the creation of a tri-service integrated command for the strategic employment of relatively costly long-range drones, including operations by special forces/proxies. At the theatre level, integrated organisations for theatre–level employment needs to be created. There would also be a requirement of service–specific tactical organisations. Kinetic and non-kinetic C-UAS organisations must become an intrinsic part of the Integrated Air Defence Command and Control. In the army, a specific drone arm must become part of combined arms. India already has a viable drone industry, and the technology is evolving every day. The concept-to-combat use time for drones must be reduced to no more than six months. The procurement of high-technology legacy weapon systems must be reviewed. Why spend $200,000 on a Javelin missile to get a tank kill when it can be done using a $300-500 FPV drone? In the era of drones, what use does a $100 million Apache attack helicopter have? India must earmark a specific annual budget for the development of UAS. A minimum annual drone budget of $2 billion can fill the current void, and $5 billion can make us a major drone power. The Russia-Ukraine war has given the world a ringside view of the evolution, scale, and scope of drone warfare. Operation Sindoor was only a micro version of it. I predict that India's next conflict with China or Pakistan will be dominated by drone warfare, and the armed forces must not be found wanting. Lt Gen H S Panag PVSM, AVSM (R) served in the Indian Army for 40 years. He was GOC in C Northern Command and Central Command. Post retirement, he was Member of Armed Forces Tribunal. Views are personal. (Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)
New Indian Express
26-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Indian Army to raise all-arms brigade ‘Rudra', light commando battalions ‘Bhairav'
NEW DELHI: The Indian Army is in process of raising a new fighting formation with all arms configuration while the army is continuously evolving into a modern and future-oriented power, said Army Chief on Saturday. General Upendra Dwivedi said, "The Indian Army is in the process of raising an all-arms brigade named 'Rudra', wherein the fighting components of infantry, mechanised infantry, armoured units, artillery, special forces and Unmanned Aerial Systems will be integrated, backed by specially designed logistics and combat support. These new regiments will be scaled-up brigades oriented for "agile movement and task-based configuration" pointed a source. And, "to begin with raisings are going on in a lesser number which can be counted on fingers," the source added. Interestingly, the Army was already in a process, widely reported by The New Indian Express, of reorganising the fighting formations christened as Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs). While "each the IBG, once raised, would have been 'scaled down' Division, but the new brigades were planned to be slightly bigger than a Brigade formation" explained the source. The initial proposals pertaining to the IBGs were that the IBGs are expected to be led by a Major-General rank officer. Each IBG will have a troop strength of around 5,000 personnel, larger than a brigade (3,000-3,500 troops) but smaller than a division (10,000-12,000 troops). "This proposal has an additional complication for it was also linked with a proposal of abolishing the rank of Brigadiers." explained the sources quoted above.
Hans India
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Drones can shift tactical balance during war, says CDS
New Delhi: Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan on Wednesday said recent conflicts globally have demonstrated how drones can "shift tactical balance disproportionately", and asserted that self-reliance in UAVs and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) is a "strategic imperative" for India. Gen Chauhan also said Operation Sindoor has shown why indigenously developed Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and C-UAS "built for our terrain and our needs are crucial". A day-long workshop on 'Indigenisation of Critical Components Currently Being Imported from Foreign OEMs in the Areas of UAV & C-UAS' is being hosted by Headquarters, Integrated Defence Staff, in collaboration with the think-tank Centre for Joint Warfare Studies. The event comes against the backdrop of recent India-Pakistan hostilities, including Operation Sindoor, which highlighted the strategic importance and operational effectiveness of UAVs and C-UAS, the Defence Ministry said on Tuesday. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), in his keynote address at the inaugural session, said drones are proof of reality, and their widespread utility in recent conflicts demonstrates how drones can shift tactical balance disproportionately to their size or price. "Asymmetric drone warfare is making large platforms vulnerable and driving militaries to rethink the conceptual aspects of air doctrines, development of C-UAS and adaptive moves of engagement," he said. The CDS also said that during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan used unarmed drones and loiter munitions on May 10. But "none of them could actually inflict any damage to Indian military or civilian infrastructure", he said. "Most of them were neutralised through a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic means. Some of them could be recovered in almost intact conditions," Gen Chauhan said. The CDS emphasised that Operation Sindoor has "shown us as to why indigenously developed UAS and C-UAS built for our terrain and our needs are crucial". Underlying the ethos of Atmanirbharta, Gen Chauhan asserted that "we cannot rely on imported niche technologies that are crucial for our offensive and defensive missions; we must invest, build and safeguard ourselves". "Dependence on foreign technologies weakens our preparedness, limits our ability to scale up production, results in a shortfall of critical spares for sustenance and round-the-clock availability." Gen Chauhan cautioned that foreign weapons, sensors and their capabilities are known to all, and adversaries can "predict our tactics and doctrinal concepts" based on the capabilities of these systems. "But, if it developed on our own, then an element of surprise can be added, at least in initial encounters."
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Can't win today's warfare with yesterday's weapons, desi drone tech must: CDS General Anil Chauhan
Can't win today's warfare with yesterday's weapons, desi drone tech must: CDS General Anil Chauhan NEW DELHI: Stressing on acquiring the most advanced but indigenous defence technologies to have an upper hand over adversaries, chief of defence staff general Anil Chauhan said that 'in today's warfare, you cannot win with yesterday's weapon systems'. 'Today's warfare has to be fought with tomorrow's technology,' he said. The CDS advocated for accelerated development of homegrown drone technology and counter-UAS grids, cautioning that outdated technology cannot be relied upon in modern battlefields. In his address at an event held at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi, CDS Chauhan also pointed out that during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan had used unarmed drones and loiter munitions on May 10 but 'none of them could actually inflict any damage to Indian military or civilian infrastructure, and most of them were neutralised through a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic means'. Laying stress on self-reliance in drone and UAV technology, he said, 'Our 'Operation Sindoor' has shown us why we must not depend on imported drone or counter-drone technology. Indigenous systems are critical. Foreign systems come with limitations — their specifications are widely known, allowing adversaries to anticipate tactics.' Gen Chauhan said recent conflicts globally have demonstrated how drones can 'shift tactical balance disproportionately'. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Đây có thể là thời điểm tốt nhất để giao dịch vàng trong 5 năm qua IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Asserting that self-reliance in UAVs and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) is a 'strategic imperative' for India, he said Operation Sindoor has shown why indigenously developed Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and C-UAS 'built for our terrain and our needs are crucial'. 'Asymmetric drone warfare is making large platforms vulnerable and driving militaries to rethink the conceptual aspects of air doctrines, development of C-UAS and adaptive moves of engagement,' he said. 'In the history of warfare, we have witnessed revolutionary changes — from heavy rifles to lighter, more sophisticated long-range weapons. But the biggest shift is the emergence of drones and unarmed aerial systems. Their utility has grown multifold — from basic surveillance tools to becoming effective force multipliers on the battlefield,' Gen Chauhan said. He explained that drones, despite being smaller and less aerodynamic, are reshaping conventional warfare. 'They are cheaper, harder to detect and yet sophisticated. This defies traditional military thinking,' he said. Operation Sindoor, he said, clearly demonstrated the need to secure lower airspace and develop integrated counter-UAV systems. His statement comes amid a global shift towards drone-dominated conflicts, like in the case of the Israel-Iran conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war, where hundreds of drones are being used for bombing strategic targets, individuals and even key installations.
NDTV
16-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Op Sindoor Has Shown Why Indigenous Drones Are Crucial: Defence Chief
New Delhi: Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan on Wednesday said recent conflicts globally have demonstrated how drones can "shift tactical balance disproportionately", and asserted that self-reliance in UAVs and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) is a "strategic imperative" for India. In his address at an event held at Manekshaw Centre here, Gen Chauhan also said Operation Sindoor has shown why indigenously developed Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and C-UAS "built for our terrain and our needs are crucial". A day-long workshop on 'Indigenisation of Critical Components Currently Being Imported from Foreign OEMs in the Areas of UAV & C-UAS' is being hosted by Headquarters, Integrated Defence Staff (HQ-IDS), in collaboration with the think-tank Centre for Joint Warfare Studies. The event comes against the backdrop of recent India-Pakistan hostilities, including Operation Sindoor, which highlighted the strategic importance and operational effectiveness of UAVs and C-UAS, the Defence Ministry said on Tuesday. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), in his keynote address at the inaugural session, said drones are proof of reality, and their widespread utility in recent conflicts demonstrates how drones can shift tactical balance disproportionately to their size or price. "Asymmetric drone warfare is making large platforms vulnerable and driving militaries to rethink the conceptual aspects of air doctrines, development of C-UAS and adaptive moves of engagement," he said. The CDS also said that during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan used unarmed drones and loiter munitions on May 10. But "none of them could actually inflict any damage to Indian military or civilian infrastructure", he said. "Most of them were neutralised through a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic means. Some of them could be recovered in almost intact conditions," Gen Chauhan said. The CDS emphasised that Operation Sindoor has "shown us as to why indigenously developed UAS, C-UAS built for our terrain and our needs are crucial". Underlying the ethos of Atmanirbharta, Gen Chauhan asserted that "we cannot rely on imported niche technologies that are crucial for our offensive and defensive missions". "Dependence on foreign technologies weakens our preparedness, limits our ability to scale up production, results in a shortfall of critical spares for sustenance and round-the-clock availability," he added. Military leaders, defence experts, scientists, policymakers and private industry representatives have gathered here for the event, seeking to develop a "strategic roadmap" for indigenisation, with an overarching aim to reduce dependency on foreign companies for critical UAV and C-UAS components. "In the rapidly evolving landscape of non-contact warfare, UAVs have emerged as a transformative force. For a nation like India, self-reliance in UAVs and C-UAS technologies is not only a strategic imperative, but it is also about empowering India to chart its destiny, safeguard its interests and seize the opportunities of the future," the CDS wrote in his message for the workshop.
