NEW DELHI: The successful application of technology has frequently made the difference between winning and losing in conflicts throughout history. Major changes in tactics, strategy, and the use of weapons and equipment have been sparked by revolutions in military warfare at various points in time.

Drone use in conventional wars like Nagorno-Karabakh (Azerbaijan-Armenia), the continuing conflict in Russia and Ukraine, and the unconventional worldwide war on terror have tipped the scales in drones’ advantage.

Military historians claim that the UK produced the first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), known as the “Ruston Proctor Aerial Target,” in 1916–17. Its potential for precise strikes was quickly apparent when it was initially utilised as a platform for surveillance. The MQ-1 Predator was initially created as a reconnaissance platform by US-based General Atomics. It was eventually equipped with a Hellfire missile payload and transformed into a strike drone. Since then, drone technology has advanced in astonishing ways.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent trip to the US, India started the process to purchase 31 armed MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs from General Atomics. In addition, General Atomics will build a Comprehensive Global MRO facility in India to help the nation achieve its long-term domestic production objectives. The MQ-9Bs have a loitering range of 50,000 feet, a flight time of more than 35 hours, and the ability to carry four Hellfire missiles along with about 450 kg of various explosives.

On June 15, the Defence Acquisition Council approved the Acceptance of Necessity for 31 MQ-9Bs (16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian) for the tri-services via the Foreign Military Sale channel, officially starting the purchasing process. The US government has proposed a $3,072 million total projected ticket price. Although there has been considerable political commotion around the cost to the exchequer, the actual price will only be agreed upon once the US government has given its regulatory approval.

India needs a suitable policy framework that incorporates a strong counter-drone component in light of the rising number of incidents along the international border given its geopolitical position, active borders with Pakistan, the prevalence of terrorism, and the ongoing standoffs with China. Even non-state actors now use drones as a platform of choice due to their accessibility and usefulness.

The Heron I, Searcher Mk II, and Harop loitering munition imports from Israel currently provide the majority of India’s UAV needs. They have been placed to keep an eye on activity near the tumultuous Pakistani and Chinese borders.

Although India possesses a sizable collection of UAV prototypes for domestic production, none have been implemented into the service to far. Among the prototypes are the Imperial Eagle from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Golden Hawk from the Aeronautical Development Establishment Laboratory and the CSIR’s National Aerospace Laboratories, the Slybird from the National Aerospace Laboratory, and the Pushpak from NAL/ADE. The Combat Air Teaming System from HAL is also in development. The Abhyas and Lakshya target drones are also a project of the DRDO.

Another kind of drones is autonomous underwater vehicles for anti-submarine warfare, for which the Indian government started the acquisition process in March of this year. Also being developed by the DRDO are submarine-launched unmanned aerial systems.

DRDO’s initiative to create the Nishant UAV marked the beginning of India’s search for drones in 1990. Although four of them were constructed, the Indian Army was not happy with how they performed. Later, a wheeled Nishant variant known as “Panchi” was created but was not used.

The Drone Federation of India and the Indian Army are working together to create “Him Drone-a-thon,” a pan-Indian partnership involving all stakeholders, including the business community, academic institutions, software developers, and drone product makers. Quantifiable factors (such altitude, weight, range, endurance, etc.) will be gradually increased based on demonstrated capabilities during the course of the experiment.

DRDO’s initiative to create the Nishant UAV marked the beginning of India’s search for drones in 1990. Although four of them were constructed, the Indian Army was not happy with how they performed. Later, a wheeled Nishant variant known as “Panchi” was created but was not used.

The Drone Federation of India and the Indian Army are working together to create “Him Drone-a-thon,” a pan-Indian partnership involving all stakeholders, including the business community, academic institutions, software developers, and drone product makers. Quantifiable factors (such altitude, weight, range, endurance, etc.) will be gradually increased based on demonstrated capabilities during the course of the experiment.