SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Army has formally initiated a program to develop an upgraded First Person View (FPV) drone tailored for its operational needs, as detailed in a recent General Staff Qualitative Requirement (GSQR) document released by the Major General of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers, Headquarters Central Command. The document, titled “Tech Specs: General Staff Qualitative Requirement (GSQR) for Development of Upgrade of FPV Drone for Army Unit,” lays the groundwork for advancing the Army’s unmanned aerial capabilities to meet modern battlefield demands.
The primary aim of the GSQR, as outlined in Part I of the document, is “to lay down the General Staff Qualitative Requirement for the development of an upgrade of FPV Drone for Army Unit.” This initiative underscores the Army’s focus on enhancing its tactical surveillance, reconnaissance, and potentially combat capabilities through advanced drone technology. FPV drones, known for their real-time video feed and agile maneuverability, are increasingly vital for modern military operations, offering situational awareness in complex terrains and urban environments.
The GSQR has been issued on behalf of the Major General of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (HQ Central Command), a key entity responsible for overseeing the Army’s technological and engineering advancements. The Central Command, headquartered in Lucknow, plays a pivotal role in coordinating and supporting operational readiness across central India, and this GSQR reflects its commitment to integrating cutting-edge unmanned systems into Army units.
FPV drones have emerged as game-changers in military operations, providing troops with real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The Indian Army’s decision to upgrade its existing FPV drone fleet aligns with global trends, where such drones are being adapted for diverse roles, including precision strikes, target acquisition, and battlefield monitoring. The upgraded drones are expected to enhance the Army’s operational effectiveness, particularly in counter-insurgency operations, border surveillance, and high-altitude deployments along India’s northern and western frontiers.
While the GSQR document does not specify detailed technical requirements—such as range, endurance, payload capacity, or electronic countermeasures—the focus on an “upgrade” suggests improvements in areas like flight performance, camera resolution, data transmission security, and possibly the integration of artificial intelligence for autonomous operations. The Army may also be looking to enhance the drones’ ruggedness to operate in extreme weather conditions, a critical factor given India’s diverse geographical challenges, from the Himalayan heights to desert regions.
The development of the upgraded FPV drone is likely to involve collaboration with domestic defense firms and research organizations, aligning with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative to bolster indigenous defense manufacturing. Organizations like the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and private sector players in the unmanned systems space could play a key role in translating the GSQR into a functional prototype.
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