SOURCE: AFI
@singhshwetabh71
In a recent development underscoring the Indian Army’s modernization efforts, a T-90 Main Battle Tank (MBT) was observed carrying a specialized nesting case designed to hold a First-Person View (FPV) drone. This confirms earlier reports by idrw.org, which highlighted the Army’s ongoing initiative to integrate T-90-launched FPV drones for real-time aerial surveillance.
The integration of FPV drones directly into the T-90 MBTs is a significant leap forward for tank-based operations. By equipping the MBTs with drones that can be launched from within the tank itself, the Indian Army aims to improve battlefield awareness, enhance tactical advantages, and minimize risks for frontline operators.
Each T-90 tank is outfitted with a secure nesting case that houses the FPV drone, providing a streamlined solution for storage, rapid deployment, and protection of the drone in various combat conditions. The drone can be easily accessed and launched by the crew whenever required, reducing the need for external personnel to operate a separate surveillance system.
The FPV drone can be launched directly from the tank’s hatch or a specialized launch point on the turret. The tank crew is trained to deploy the drone autonomously, which means they can quickly activate aerial reconnaissance without depending on external support. This mechanism enables faster, more flexible responses to rapidly changing battlefield conditions.
Once airborne, the FPV drone transmits real-time video feeds directly to a display system within the T-90’s command interface. The FPV feed provides the tank commander and operators with a live, bird’s-eye view of the battlefield, offering insights into enemy positions, hidden obstacles, or potential ambushes that may be obscured from ground level.
The FPV drone can be controlled either manually by the tank operator or pre-programmed for autonomous missions. The drone can be programmed to follow specific waypoints or areas of interest, ensuring efficient coverage of the surrounding terrain. This versatility allows the tank crew to focus on primary combat tasks while the drone gathers surveillance data.
With aerial surveillance capabilities now directly at their disposal, T-90 operators can assess the battlefield more accurately, make faster tactical decisions, and avoid possible threats. This setup provides critical situational awareness, allowing the crew to navigate through hostile areas with greater precision and safety.
The drone feed offers a tactical advantage by providing high-resolution, real-time visuals of the immediate and extended environment, beyond what the tank’s optics or periscope can capture. By assessing threats before advancing, T-90 MBTs can avoid direct engagements in high-risk zones, allowing for strategic maneuvering and minimizing the chances of ambushes.
The FPV drone can be launched on-demand, making it ideal for reconnaissance during dynamic combat situations where traditional surveillance methods may be slower or unavailable.