India is making rapid progress in drone technology. This development is driven by new strategies of modern warfare, emphasis on indigenous manufacturing and the use of artificial intelligence (AI). India aims to become a world leader in drone production and use. Earlier india was dependent on foreign equipment, but now it is moving towards strengthening the indigenous drone industry.
Government initiatives and policies
The government of india has launched several important policies and schemes to promote the drone industry, which are part of the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan'. The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme was launched in 2021, with Rs 120 crore allocated. It aims to make india a global hub for drone production. The Drone shakti Yojana encourages startups to use drones as a service. Drones are being used for land surveys in rural areas under the Swamitva Yojana, which shows that drones can make many tasks easier. The Drone Rules 2021 have simplified rules, including subsidies, lower duties, easier certification and allowing foreign participation. Exports of 'Made in India' drones have also been made easier.
Military use and strategic shift
Drones and drone warfare are now an important part of India's military strategy. The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) plans to develop an indigenous integrated combat aerial system (IICAS) by the mid-2040s. It will have a network of auxiliary drones and advanced unmanned systems along with fighter aircraft. Kamikaze drones, which destroy targets by destroying themselves, are new weapons in modern warfare. india is procuring hundreds of thousands of such drones, which will be deployed for rapid attacks in sensitive areas. For example, a drone worth Rs 42,000 can destroy a tank worth Rs 80 crore. Operation Sindoor saw a changing face of warfare in South Asia, with india and pakistan using more than 1,000 drones. The DRDO has developed drones such as Archer-NG, Lakshya, Nishant, Abhyas, Tapas-BHI-201, Fluffy, Imperial Eagle and Rustom 1 and 2. Ghatak Drone, a stealth UCAV, is also under construction. Swarm drones are part of the indian Air Force's future strategy. These drones have been successful in the Russia-Ukraine war. The indian Air Force has purchased 200 long-range swarm drones under a contract worth Rs 300 crore. The indian Army has also received swarm drones for surveillance and attack, which are powered by AI.
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