New Frontier Of Air Defence: India Is Redefining Military Strategy In The Age Of Drone Warfare

As drone warfare continues to redefine modern combat, the Indian Army is undertaking a comprehensive overhaul of its air defence strategy.

- ASHISH SINGH

This transformation comes as conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war, Nagorno-Karabakh clashes, and Saudi Aramco drone strikes demonstrate the disruptive impact of unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

Drawing lessons from these conflicts, India is leveraging indigenous innovations and recalibrating its defence doctrine to address emerging threats.

THE DRONE REVOLUTION

Recent global conflicts have shown how drones have become central to contemporary warfare. The Russia-Ukraine war showcased how Ukraine's use of Ground-Based Air Defence Weapon Systems (GBADWS) forced Russian aircraft to operate at higher altitudes, increasing vulnerability. Similarly, the 2019 drone strikes on Saudi Aramco's oil facilities disrupted 5% of global oil supplies, highlighting the strategic impact of low-cost, high-precision aerial threats.

Lieutenant General Sumer Ivan D'Cunha, Director General of Army Air Defence (AAD), noted: "The fashion of guns is back." This statement signals the Army's renewed focus on traditional weapon systems, upgraded with modern technology. Lt Gen D'Cunha further stated, "Managing the tactical battle area means providing freedom of action in the air and freedom of manoeuvre on the ground."

The evolving doctrine incorporates layered defence systems blending conventional weapons, AI-enabled solutions, and Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs).