SOURCE: AFI
In a significant move to enhance its tactical capabilities, the Indian Army is planning to establish dedicated First-Person View (FPV) platoons within every infantry battalion, according to recent reports circulating on social media platforms. This initiative aims to integrate advanced drone technology into ground operations, equipping infantry units with cutting-edge tools for reconnaissance, surveillance, and precision strikes. The introduction of FPV platoons reflects the Army’s commitment to modernizing its forces and adapting to the evolving nature of warfare, where unmanned systems play an increasingly critical role.
FPV drones, operated through a first-person perspective via real-time video feeds, offer soldiers enhanced situational awareness and the ability to engage targets with precision from a safe distance. These drones are compact, agile, and capable of navigating complex terrains, making them ideal for urban combat, counter-insurgency operations, and border security missions.
Each FPV platoon, likely comprising 20–30 personnel, would include trained drone operators, technicians, and support staff. These units would operate alongside existing specialized platoons, such as the Ghatak (commando) platoons, which are present in every infantry battalion and focus on special operations and reconnaissance.
The Indian Army’s decision to raise FPV platoons aligns with its broader modernization efforts to integrate advanced technologies into its operations. With over 350 infantry battalions, the Army’s infantry forms the backbone of its fighting force, and equipping each with an FPV platoon could significantly enhance its combat effectiveness. The move comes at a time when drone warfare has proven transformative in conflicts worldwide, as seen in Ukraine, where FPV drones have been used extensively for both offensive and defensive purposes.
The FPV platoons are expected to undertake a range of tasks, including:
- Real-Time Reconnaissance: Providing live imagery of enemy positions, terrain, and potential threats, enabling commanders to make informed decisions.
- Precision Strikes: Delivering small payloads, such as grenades or explosives, to neutralize high-value targets or fortified positions.
- Surveillance and Monitoring: Conducting persistent surveillance of sensitive areas, particularly along India’s contested borders with China and Pakistan.
- Force Protection: Detecting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes, reducing risks to ground troops.
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