The Indian Army’s extensive field trials of next-generation indigenous defence technologies represent a pivotal moment in the nation’s military modernisation journey, marking a decisive shift toward self-reliant defence capabilities and preparation for future warfare scenarios. These comprehensive evaluations, conducted across multiple strategic locations including Pokhran Field Firing Ranges, Babina Field Firing Ranges, Joshimath, Agra, and Gopalpur, encompass cutting-edge systems ranging from UAV-launched precision guided munitions to advanced electronic warfare platforms. The trials, characterised by near-combat conditions and integrated electronic warfare simulations, demonstrate India’s commitment to absorbing emerging technologies rapidly while strengthening its operational readiness against evolving battlefield requirements.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan’s strategic assessment underscores India’s growing technological superiority, emphasising the successful integration of indigenous systems during recent operations like Operation Sindoor, where India demonstrated its capability to conduct multi-domain warfare using domestically developed platforms. This comprehensive technology demonstration program, aligned with the Army’s “Decade of Transformation” initiative and the broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, signals India’s determination to achieve strategic autonomy in defence capabilities while establishing technological dominance in the region.
Strategic Context and Modernisation Initiative
The Indian Army’s current field trials represent a fundamental paradigm shift in India’s defence strategy, moving from dependence on foreign military technologies to comprehensive indigenous capability development. The trials are being conducted as part of the Army’s ambitious “Decade of Transformation” roadmap, which aims to rapidly absorb emerging technologies to meet evolving battlefield requirements. This strategic initiative reflects India’s recognition that modern warfare demands integration across multiple domains, including land, air, sea, cyber, and space, requiring a complete reimagining of traditional military approaches.
UAV-Launched Precision Guided Munitions (ULPGM)
The UAV-Launched Precision Guided Munition system represents one of the most sophisticated weapons platforms being evaluated during these trials, embodying India’s advancement in precision warfare capabilities. The ULPGM family consists of three distinct versions – V1, V2, and V3 – each designed for specific operational requirements and engagement scenarios. The ULPGM V1, the most compact variant, measures 680-690mm in length with a 100mm diameter and weighs 5kg, designed as a glide weapon that operates without propulsion when dropped from heights of 750m to 2km, achieving a range of 1.5-2km. This variant utilises an uncooled infrared (IIR) seeker for guidance and carries a 2kg warhead available in multiple configurations including pre-fragmented anti-personnel, explosively formed penetrator for anti-tank operations, and penetrating charge for bunker-busting capabilities up to 6 inches of reinforced concrete.
Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has received a substantial ₹105 crore contract to produce 220 units of the ULPGM V2 for the Indian Army, with each unit costing approximately ₹47.7 lakh, indicating the system’s strategic importance and the Army’s confidence in its capabilities. The involvement of Adani Defence in the production process suggests a collaborative approach to manufacturing that leverages both public and private sector capabilities. The expectation that prices will decrease in subsequent orders reflects the economies of scale anticipated as production volumes increase and manufacturing processes are optimised.
Unmanned Aerial Systems and Counter-UAS Technologies
The trials encompass a comprehensive evaluation of various unmanned aerial systems, including runway-independent remotely piloted aerial systems (RPAS) that offer enhanced operational flexibility in diverse terrain conditions. Bengaluru-based NeoSky India Limited, a subsidiary of RattanIndia Enterprises, has successfully completed trials with the Indian Army for precision munition-dropping drone platforms, marking a significant milestone in indigenous drone technology development. These drone platforms, developed through Throttle Aerospace Systems, demonstrated advanced navigation capabilities, payload delivery systems, and autonomous operation features during rigorous testing conditions.
The NeoSky drone platforms incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities that enable autonomous target acquisition and real-time decision-making, representing cutting-edge technology in unmanned warfare systems. The drones’ ability to deliver munitions with pinpoint accuracy makes them invaluable assets for neutralising high-value targets including enemy bunkers, vehicles, and terrorist infrastructure. The successful completion of these trials validates the integration of AI-enabled systems for surveillance, logistics, and precision strikes, positioning these platforms as game-changers for tactical military operations.
Counter-UAS solutions being evaluated represent India’s recognition of the growing threat posed by hostile drone activities along its borders and in sensitive areas. These systems integrate detection, tracking, and neutralisation capabilities designed to counter various types of unmanned threats ranging from small commercial drones to sophisticated military-grade UAVs. The development of Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction Systems (IDDIS) demonstrates India’s comprehensive approach to addressing the evolving drone threat landscape.
Electronic Warfare Integration And Multi-Domain Operations
The emphasis on non-linear warfare capabilities reflects the evolution of military tactics where traditional front-line concepts are being replaced by distributed operations that can strike targets across a wide geographic area simultaneously. General Chauhan noted that modern military operations require forces to be demassified and distributed, with deception becoming more important than surprise in achieving tactical objectives. This shift in operational philosophy necessitates weapons systems and platforms that can operate independently while maintaining connectivity with broader command and control networks.
Precision Strike Capabilities and Target Engagement
The loitering munitions being evaluated represent a significant enhancement in India’s precision strike capabilities, offering the ability to hover over target areas, identify threats, and engage with high accuracy either autonomously or under human guidance. These systems were successfully employed during Operation Sindoor, where they were used to destroy nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir in coordinated strikes conducted entirely from Indian soil. The operation demonstrated the effectiveness of precision-guided weapons in achieving strategic objectives while minimising collateral damage and reducing risks to Indian personnel.
The success of Operation Sindoor highlighted India’s capability to conduct sophisticated military operations using indigenous systems without relying on foreign technology or support. CDS Chauhan revealed that while Pakistan likely leveraged Chinese sources during the operation, there was no definitive proof of real-time targeting support being provided. In contrast, India relied entirely on its indigenous systems, including the Akash missile system, which demonstrated notable success in system networking by integrating multiple platforms, including foreign radars, into a cohesive defence system.
