The Indian Army has announced plans to establish specialised drone units named “Baaz Battalions” as part of its strategy to enhance unmanned warfare capabilities. This initiative aims to expand the operational use of drones in future military engagements. General Upendra Dwivedi, the Army Chief, underscored the need for dedicated units trained specifically to operate and manage a growing array of unmanned systems.

General Dwivedi stated that the Army would require consistent induction, upgrading, and replenishment of drones on a large scale to keep pace with evolving military needs. The establishment of Baaz Battalions is regarded as a crucial step in meeting these requirements and streamlining drone operations.

The new battalions will build upon the existing Remotely Piloted Aircraft Flights currently operational within various Army formations. They are designed to create a structured framework for conducting drone operations across multiple theatres, thus enhancing the overall effectiveness of unmanned systems.

Focus on Enhancing Operational Effectiveness

The specialised units will consist of personnel exclusively dedicated to managing and operating drone systems. This initiative is expected to significantly improve the Army’s capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Enhanced target acquisition and real-time situational awareness during operations will further bolster mission effectiveness.

The move is reflective of a larger transformation within the Army to institutionalise unmanned technology, aligning with its evolving operational doctrines. Recent global conflicts, particularly the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, have illustrated the crucial role that unmanned platforms play in modern warfare, especially in areas such as reconnaissance and precision operations.

General Dwivedi also commented on the Army’s expanding drone inventory. The force, which had only a few hundred drones two years prior, now has over 50,000 operational unmanned systems. This number is projected to potentially double within the next two to three years, offering new capabilities for tactical operations.

Monitoring Adversary Developments and Strategic Focus

The Army’s modernisation efforts extend beyond merely increasing the number of drones. There are plans to enhance capabilities for detecting, tracking, and neutralising hostile unmanned systems. Concerns about Pakistan’s advancements in drone technology have been noted, with General Dwivedi confirming that the Army actively monitors and assesses emerging threats in this domain.

He remarked on the significant investments made by adversaries in unmanned technologies, often supported by external technological resources. The focus, according to General Dwivedi, is to achieve dominance in the drone warfare sphere rather than simply matching adversary capabilities number-wise.

The establishment of Baaz Battalions is perceived as a significant organisational change that may formalise the Army’s drone operations, create a specialised cadre of skilled operators, and help in integrating unmanned systems into its combat doctrines effectively.

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