DRONES FOR THE INDIAN ARMY

The Indian armed forces require precision-based drones that provide armed solutions UAVS are quickly becoming an integral component of asymmetric warfare

- GIRISH LINGANNA

The Indian Army has placed orders for approximately 2000 drones, of which some will be deployed to ferry essential supplies to forward outposts, and others will execute essential observation and reconnaissance activities. The orders were made earlier this year.

These large purchases are urgently necessary as a result of the numerous conflicts that have taken place at high altitudes between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh and, more recently, in Arunachal Pradesh.

In the region of Ladakh, the People's Liberation Army of China has increased the number of troops that are deployed in forward locations. They have also built heated shelters and helipads in Aksai Chin, in addition to important battle spots such as Demchok and Galwan. Because of this, it is absolutely necessary to keep a tight eye on their movements. The helipads make it easier for troops to move quickly to more forward locations.

Logistical support

For the purpose of providing logistical support, roughly 400 drones are being obtained, while approximately 1500 are being purchased for various sorts of monitoring.

The logistics drones have the capacity to carry between 5 kg and 40 kg of goods, and their primary function will be to deliver a wide variety of supplies to forward areas. It's possible that the drones will fly anywhere from 5 to 20 km during their missions.

There are several types of surveillance drones, each of which travels at a unique pace and can stay in the air for a varied amount of time. Drones with both high and low flying altitudes have been given their commissioning orders.

Trials performed at a high altitude