SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Army is actively exploring the procurement of AI-infused autonomous systems, such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), to enhance operational capabilities in Ladakh’s extreme altitudes, often exceeding 15,000 feet. These high-altitude areas pose unique challenges, requiring cutting-edge technology that can function effectively in harsh conditions.
To address these requirements, the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), is hosting Himtech, an event themed “Harnessing Defence Technology for High Altitude Areas.” The event brings together over 90 vendors from across India, showcasing indigenous defense technologies that can be tailored for high-altitude operations. The initiative is in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) mission, promoting the development and deployment of homegrown solutions for the Indian Armed Forces.
Operating at altitudes exceeding 15,000 feet, as in the case of Ladakh, poses severe challenges such as reduced oxygen levels, freezing temperatures, and difficult terrain. These conditions demand advanced technologies that are resilient and autonomous, allowing the Indian Army to maintain its operational edge.
The AI-infused autonomous systems under consideration are expected to include:
- UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles): Drones capable of performing reconnaissance, surveillance, and logistical tasks in difficult environments, providing real-time intelligence while reducing the need for manned operations in dangerous areas.
- UGVs (Unmanned Ground Vehicles): Robotic systems designed to navigate rugged terrain, perform logistics tasks, and support ground troops without the need for human intervention in risky environments.
These autonomous systems would enable the Indian Army to extend its operational reach, enhancing surveillance, reconnaissance, and tactical capabilities, particularly in hard-to-access areas like the mountainous regions of Ladakh.
The Indian Army also recently conducted Drone-a-thon 2, a high-altitude drone testing event held from September 17-18 at Wari La in Ladakh, at an altitude of 15,000 feet. The initiative was aimed at harnessing indigenous drone technology for military applications in some of the most challenging terrain on the planet.
Drone-a-thon 2 focused on enhancing the operational efficiency and tactical superiority of drones in extreme altitude conditions. The Indian Army’s use of drones in these regions is critical for logistics, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. The tests carried out at Wari La helped evaluate the performance of these systems in real-world conditions, which include thin air, unpredictable weather, and rough terrain.
By leveraging the results of Drone-a-thon 2, the Indian Army aims to integrate these drones into its high-altitude operations, significantly reducing the burden on personnel and increasing the speed and effectiveness of missions.
Both Himtech and Drone-a-thon 2 fall under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, emphasizing the importance of developing indigenous technologies that are not only cost-effective but also tailored to the specific needs of the Indian Armed Forces. The participation of over 90 vendors at Himtech underscores the Indian defense industry’s capability to develop cutting-edge technologies for the most demanding operational environments.