Indian Army Integrates UAVs for Enhanced Counter-Terror Operations
Army adopts UAVs for surveillance, precision strikes, and enhanced counter-terror capabilities.
Photo by George Kroeker
The Indian Army is rapidly integrating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to transform counter-terror operations. The deployment of platforms like the solar-powered Medium Altitude Persistent Surveillance System (MAPSS) provides continuous intelligence coverage. Specialized "Shaktibaan" drone warfare regiments are being raised, equipped with swarm drones and loitering munitions for precision strikes.
This shift reduces manpower-intensive operations and enhances defense self-reliance under the Make in India initiative. Effective integration of drones into command-and-control structures is crucial for India's counter-terror doctrine, especially along the Line of Control and in insurgency-affected regions.
Key Facts
Army integrating UAVs for counter-terror operations
MAPSS provides continuous intelligence coverage
"Shaktibaan" regiments equipped with swarm drones
UAV push strengthens defense self-reliance
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper 3: Security, Technology
Link to Make in India initiative
Potential for questions on defense technology and internal security
Visual Insights
Key Areas of UAV Deployment by Indian Army
Map highlighting the Line of Control and insurgency-affected regions where the Indian Army is deploying UAVs for enhanced counter-terror operations.
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More Information
Background
The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in military operations has its roots in the early 20th century, with rudimentary remotely piloted aircraft being developed during World War I. However, it was during the Vietnam War that UAVs saw more significant use for reconnaissance purposes. The development of modern UAV technology accelerated in the late 20th century, driven by advancements in microelectronics, computing, and communication technologies.
The Gulf War in 1991 marked a turning point, showcasing the potential of UAVs for surveillance and target acquisition. Initially, UAVs were primarily used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Over time, they have evolved to perform a wider range of tasks, including combat roles with the integration of precision-guided munitions.
The evolution of UAVs has also been shaped by international regulations and ethical considerations regarding their use in warfare.
Latest Developments
In recent years, the Indian military has significantly increased its focus on acquiring and integrating advanced drone technologies. This includes not only procuring UAVs from foreign manufacturers but also promoting indigenous development through initiatives like the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020. A key trend is the emphasis on developing counter-drone technologies to address the growing threat of rogue drones.
The establishment of dedicated drone warfare units and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into drone operations are also gaining momentum. Looking ahead, the Indian military is expected to further invest in developing autonomous drone swarms and enhancing the capabilities of existing UAV platforms. The focus will be on improving the endurance, payload capacity, and operational flexibility of drones to meet the evolving security challenges.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in counter-terrorism operations: 1. UAVs provide persistent surveillance capabilities, reducing the need for manpower-intensive operations. 2. The integration of UAVs is solely dependent on foreign technology, limiting indigenous development. 3. 'Shaktibaan' refers to a specialized drone warfare regiment equipped with swarm drones and loitering munitions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is correct as UAVs enhance surveillance and reduce manpower. Statement 3 is correct as 'Shaktibaan' refers to specialized drone regiments. Statement 2 is incorrect as India is focusing on indigenous development of UAVs under the Make in India initiative.
2. With reference to the integration of UAVs in the Indian Army, which of the following statements is NOT correct? A) The deployment of solar-powered UAVs enhances continuous intelligence coverage. B) The primary objective is to reduce manpower-intensive operations in insurgency-affected regions. C) The integration of UAVs is aimed at enhancing defense self-reliance. D) The use of UAVs is solely limited to the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
- A.A
- B.B
- C.C
- D.D
Show Answer
Answer: D
Options A, B, and C are correct. Option D is incorrect because the use of UAVs is not limited to the LAC but also includes the Line of Control (LoC) and insurgency-affected regions.
3. Assertion (A): The Indian Army is integrating UAVs to enhance counter-terror operations. Reason (R): UAVs provide real-time intelligence and precision strike capabilities, reducing risks to soldiers. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct? A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. B) Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A. C) A is true, but R is false. D) A is false, but R is true.
- A.A
- B.B
- C.C
- D.D
Show Answer
Answer: A
Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why the Indian Army is integrating UAVs.
Source Articles
India’s 900-km loitering UAV to fly on homegrown Wankel engines, reducing foreign reliance
Meet HAPS: India’s very own UAV that can fly 20 km high and float for months | India News - The Indian Express
India to buy Predator UAVs from the US: Capabilities, countries which use them | Explained News - The Indian Express
From UAVs to refuellers: How Israel is helping India keep an eye on LAC | India News - The Indian Express
Daily Briefing: A golden path to the US? | Live News - The Indian Express