SOURCE: AFI
In a significant move toward modernizing its battlefield capabilities, the Indian Army has initiated the procurement process for battlefield reconnaissance drones, signaling a continued shift toward leveraging advanced technologies for enhanced situational awareness and precision warfare.
The procurement aims to equip frontline units with tactical unmanned aerial systems (UAS) capable of providing real-time surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance data in complex operational environments. This step is aligned with the Army’s broader transformation agenda focused on network-centric warfare and battlefield transparency.
These battlefield drones will likely be deployed at the company and battalion level, supporting India’s evolving Integrated Battle Group (IBG) doctrine that emphasizes speed, agility, and decentralized command. By placing tactical ISR capabilities in the hands of local commanders, the Army can reduce reaction times, increase precision in targeting, and enhance troop safety.
The drones are particularly suited for deployment in varied operational theaters—from high-altitude regions like Ladakh to counter-insurgency environments in Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast—where visibility, line-of-sight, and rapid intelligence-gathering are critical for mission success.
As part of its commitment to the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative, the Indian Army is expected to give preference to indigenous drone manufacturers and defense startups that can meet operational requirements through Make-I, Make-II, or Fast Track Procedure (FTP) procurement routes.
Several Indian firms, including those backed by iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) and incubated by defence research agencies like DRDO, have been developing lightweight reconnaissance UAVs designed for rugged terrain and hostile operating conditions.
The new reconnaissance drones are expected to serve as critical force multipliers by filling tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) gaps. These drones will offer units on the ground the ability to detect enemy movement, assess terrain, and monitor hostile activities, even in remote or hostile conditions.
Key expected features of the drones include:
- High-resolution electro-optical and infrared sensors for day and night operations
- Secure real-time data transmission to ground stations and command centers
- Compact, man-portable or vehicle-launched systems
- Operational endurance ranging from 60 to 120 minutes, depending on configuration
- Autonomous flight with pre-programmed mission planning and return-to-home functionality
NOTE: AFI is a proud outsourced content creator partner of IDRW.ORG. All content created by AFI is the sole property of AFI and is protected by copyright. AFI takes copyright infringement seriously and will pursue all legal options available to protect its content.