India is initiating the largest military drone procurement programme in its history, aimed at securing drones worth over Rs 20,000 crore from local manufacturers. The Indian Army is reportedly fast-tracking this acquisition, with expectations for delivery to commence within the next 18 to 24 months. This major initiative follows a previous order for tactical drones valued at approximately Rs 3,000 crore.

The timing of this procurement aligns with multiple recent conflicts, including Operation Sindoor in May and ongoing tensions in the Russia-Ukraine war and the Iran-US situations. These events have highlighted the effectiveness of low-cost drones on the battlefield, reinforcing their strategic importance in modern warfare.

Drones are increasingly viewed as “force multipliers,” capable of executing various missions, including surveillance, target recognition, precision strikes, logistics support, and loitering munitions. This versatility significantly enhances operational capabilities.

Current Landscape of Drone Manufacturing in India

According to defence sources, over 600 companies are actively engaged in the manufacture of drones and their components within India, with more than 100 of these specifically focused on the Defence sector. The landscape includes both established defence manufacturers and emerging startups that are rapidly gaining prominence.

This surge in domestic production is set against the backdrop of the government’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. This programme is designed to foster innovation and bolster the capabilities of India’s defence industry, ensuring that a significant portion of military needs can be met through indigenous resources.

Major General RC Padhi (Retd.), Senior Vice President at IG Defence, commented on the significance of the planned drone procurement, stating that it represents a pivotal moment for the advancement of India’s defence capabilities. He noted the critical role of drones in contemporary combat operations, providing extensive intelligence, reconnaissance, and precision strike options.

Future Training Initiatives and Operational Readiness

The Indian Army is not only focusing on procurement but also on the essential training of personnel in drone warfare. Efforts are underway to prepare soldiers to effectively operate a variety of drones, which include first-person view (FPV) drones, kamikaze drones, surveillance platforms, and logistics drones.

This comprehensive training strategy aims to ensure that soldiers are proficient with the technology, reflecting the Army’s goal to equip every soldier with access to drone capabilities. By integrating drones into their operations, the Army seeks to enhance operational readiness and adapt to modern combat scenarios.

The dual focus on procurement and training illustrates India’s commitment to modernising its defence forces and adapting to evolving military dynamics. The expected outcomes of this initiative include increased efficiency in operations, enhanced aerial surveillance, and improved logistics capabilities on the battlefield.

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