What is a Drone? a drone, also known as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), is an aircraft that is remotely piloted or operates autonomously without a human pilot on board. Drones used in the army are typically equipped with various sensors and payloads such as cameras, radars, or weapons to conduct missions such as reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, or even combat operations.
Army drones vary in size, shape, and capabilities. Some drones are small and portable, such as hand-launched drones, which can be easily carried by soldiers and used for short-range reconnaissance. Other drones, such as medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) or high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) drones, are larger and can fly for longer periods of time, covering large areas and providing real-time situational awareness to commanders.
How are drones used in the military?
DRONES as Target Decoys
Drones are designed to simulate the radar cross-section and flight characteristics of manned aircraft, and they are used to attract and confuse enemy missiles or radar-guided weapons away from the intended target.
Target decoy drones are often equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems, such as jamming equipment or infrared countermeasures, which can disrupt or confuse enemy radar and missile systems. They can be operated remotely or programmed to fly autonomously and are designed to perform complex flight patterns and maneuvers to make it difficult for enemy weapons to lock onto them.
The use of drones as target decoys can enhance the survivability of manned aircraft and other military assets, as well as reduce the risk of collateral damage in the event of a missile or other weapon strike. It can also provide valuable intelligence on the enemy’s air defense systems, as the response of these systems to the decoy drone can reveal their capabilities and vulnerabilities.
DRONES for Assessment and Supervision
Drones can provide troops with critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities that are essential for effective military operations.
For instance, drones can be used to survey enemy positions, gather information about troop movements, and assess the effectiveness of military operations. Drones equipped with sensors such as electro-optical and infrared cameras can capture high-resolution images and video, which can be transmitted in real-time to troops on the ground.
In addition to ISR missions, drones can also be used for situational awareness and force protection. Drones can help troops identify potential threats and hazards, such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and provide real-time data that can be used to avoid or mitigate these threats.
Why does India need drones?
India needs drones in military for several reasons, including:
- Surveillance: Drones can be used for surveillance purposes to monitor the movement of enemy forces, identify potential threats, and gather intelligence. This can help the military to stay one step ahead of its adversaries.
- Reconnaissance: Drones can be used for reconnaissance purposes to gather information about the terrain, the enemy’s positions, and other factors that can affect military operations. This can help the military to plan and execute missions more effectively.
- Targeted Strikes: Drones can be equipped with missiles and other weapons, making them effective tools for targeted strikes against enemy targets. This can be especially useful in situations where manned aircraft would be too risky or impractical.
- Search and Rescue: Drones can be used in search and rescue operations to locate and extract soldiers who are lost or injured in remote or dangerous areas.
- Communication and Coordination: Drones can be used to establish communication links between different units and provide real-time data and intelligence to military commanders. This can help improve coordination and situational awareness on the battlefield.
- Low Cost: They are low-cost. They can be bought off the shelf or put together with store-bought components. The question of drone availability is strongly linked to this primitive yet devastating ensemble.
List Of Drones Used By Indian Armed Forces
#1. DRDO Abhyas
DRDO Abhyas is an autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India. The primary purpose of DRDO Abhyas is to serve as a target for the training and testing of various missile systems, including surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles.
The UAV is designed to fly at high altitudes and speeds, making it an ideal target for simulating combat scenarios. It is equipped with advanced avionics and flight control systems, which allow it to perform complex maneuvers and evasive actions during flight.
DRDO Abhyas has a wingspan of 3.4 meters and a length of 2.7 meters. It is powered by a small gas turbine engine, which gives it a maximum speed of around 0.6 Mach and a maximum altitude of 6 kilometers.
#2. DRDO Ghatak
DRDO Ghatak is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) that is currently under development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India. The primary purpose of DRDO Ghatak is to serve as a stealthy strike platform, capable of carrying out precision strikes on enemy targets with minimal risk to Indian forces.
DRDO Ghatak is designed to be highly maneuverable and capable of flying at high altitudes and speeds. It is expected to be equipped with advanced avionics, including radar and electronic warfare systems, to help it evade enemy air defenses and penetrate deep into enemy territory.
The UCAV will be armed with a variety of weapons, including air-to-ground missiles and precision-guided bombs, making it a highly effective tool for carrying out targeted strikes on enemy infrastructure and military installations.
#3. DRDO Archer
#4. India-US Joint ALUAV Target Drone
The India-US Joint ALUAV Target Drone is a jointly developed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by India and the United States. The UAV is primarily used as a target drone for testing and evaluating missile defense systems.
The ALUAV (Advanced Light Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) is a small, lightweight UAV that is designed to be launched from a ground-based launcher. The UAV can fly at speeds of up to 250 km/h and can operate at altitudes of up to 4,500 meters. The ALUAV is equipped with a variety of sensors and can be programmed to follow a pre-determined flight path or operate autonomously.
#5. RUAV 200
#6. Adani Hermes 900
The Adani Hermes 900 is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by Adani Aerospace & Defence, a subsidiary of the Adani Group, in partnership with Israel’s Elbit Systems. The UAV is designed to be used for a variety of military and civilian missions, including surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition, and combat operations.
The Hermes 900 is a medium-altitude, long-endurance UAV that can fly at a maximum altitude of 30,000 feet and has a maximum endurance of up to 36 hours. It is equipped with a variety of sensors, including electro-optical and infrared cameras, synthetic aperture radar, and laser designators, that allow it to capture high-resolution images and conduct real-time surveillance of enemy positions and movements.
The Hermes 900 can also be equipped with weapons, such as missiles or bombs, for combat operations. It can be controlled remotely from a ground station, which is equipped with a data link to transmit images and other sensor data back to the operators.
#7. Trinetra UAV
Trinetra is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The UAV is designed to operate in both day and night conditions, and it is capable of capturing high-resolution images and conducting real-time surveillance of enemy positions and movements.
The Trinetra UAV is a fixed-wing aircraft that can be launched from a catapult or a runway. It has a maximum endurance of up to four hours and can operate at altitudes of up to 5,000 meters. The UAV is equipped with a variety of sensors, including electro-optical and infrared cameras, that allow it to capture high-resolution images and conduct real-time surveillance of enemy positions and movements.
The Trinetra UAV can be controlled remotely from a ground station, which is equipped with a data link to transmit images and other sensor data back to the operators. The UAV has been used by the Indian Armed Forces for a variety of missions, including border surveillance, counter-insurgency operations, and search and rescue missions.
#8. HAL CATS
HAL CATS (Combat Air Teaming System) is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) being developed by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) of India. The UCAV is designed to work in tandem with manned fighter aircraft, providing enhanced combat capabilities and situational awareness to the pilots.
The HAL CATS is a stealthy aircraft that is equipped with advanced sensors and weapons. It is designed to operate in contested environments, where it can provide support to manned fighter aircraft by performing a variety of missions, including air-to-air and air-to-ground combat operations, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare.
The HAL CATS is being developed as part of India’s efforts to modernize its air force and enhance its combat capabilities. The UCAV is expected to provide a cost-effective solution for performing a variety of missions, while reducing the risk to manned fighter aircraft.
#9. DRDO Rustom
DRDO Rustom is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India. The primary purpose of DRDO Rustom is to serve as a surveillance and reconnaissance platform for the Indian military.
DRDO Rustom has a wingspan of 20 feet and a length of 30 feet. It is capable of flying at altitudes of up to 22,000 feet and has a maximum endurance of 24 hours. The UAV is equipped with a variety of sensors, including electro-optical, infrared, and synthetic aperture radar, which allow it to capture high-resolution images and conduct real-time surveillance of enemy positions and movements.
#10. TAPAS-BH-201
TAPAS-BH-201 is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India. The primary purpose of TAPAS-BH-201 is to serve as a long-endurance surveillance and reconnaissance platform for the Indian military.
TAPAS-BH-201 has a wingspan of 24 meters and a length of 10 meters. It is powered by a small gas turbine engine and is capable of flying at altitudes of up to 30,000 feet with a maximum endurance of up to 45 hours. The UAV is equipped with a variety of sensors, including electro-optical, infrared, and synthetic aperture radar, which allow it to capture high-resolution images and conduct real-time surveillance of enemy positions and movements.
#11. DRDO Fluffy
#12. DRDO Imperial Eagle
#13. DRDO Kapothaka
#14. DRDO Lakshya
DRDO Lakshya is an unmanned aerial target drone developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India. The primary purpose of DRDO Lakshya is to serve as a target for testing and evaluation of various surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft gun systems used by the Indian military.
DRDO Lakshya is a subsonic drone that is designed to mimic the flight characteristics of enemy aircraft. It has a wingspan of 7.3 meters and a length of 4.6 meters. The drone is powered by a small turbojet engine and is capable of flying at altitudes of up to 12,000 feet with a maximum speed of Mach 0.75.
#15. DRDO Netra
DRDO Netra is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India. The primary purpose of DRDO Netra is to serve as a surveillance and reconnaissance platform for the Indian armed forces and other government agencies.
DRDO Netra is a quadcopter UAV that is designed to be operated remotely from a ground station. It is equipped with a variety of sensors, including high-resolution cameras and thermal imagers, that allow it to capture real-time video and imagery of the surrounding area. The UAV is also equipped with a data link that allows the video and imagery to be transmitted back to the ground station in real-time.
DRDO Netra is specifically designed for use in disaster management and search and rescue operations. The UAV can be quickly deployed to disaster areas and used to survey the damage, locate survivors, and identify potential hazards. It can also be used to monitor crowd activity and identify potential security threats.
#16. DRDO Nishant
DRDO Nishant is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India. The primary purpose of DRDO Nishant is to serve as a reconnaissance and surveillance platform for the Indian military.
DRDO Nishant is a fixed-wing UAV with a wingspan of 6.5 meters and a length of 4.5 meters. The UAV is powered by a twin-cylinder, two-stroke engine and is capable of flying at altitudes of up to 3,600 meters with a maximum endurance of up to 4 hours.
#17. DRDO Ulka
DRDO Ulka is a rocket system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India. The primary purpose of DRDO Ulka is to serve as a short-range surface-to-air missile system for the Indian military.
DRDO Ulka is a solid-fueled rocket that is designed to be launched from a mobile launcher. The missile has a range of up to 10 km and can reach altitudes of up to 6 km. It is equipped with an advanced guidance system that allows it to track and intercept enemy aircraft and drones.
The missile is designed to be highly maneuverable, with the ability to change direction mid-flight to track and intercept fast-moving targets. It is also designed to be highly accurate, with a hit probability of over 90%.
#18. IAI-HAL NRUAV
The IAI-HAL NRUAV (New Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) is a joint venture between the Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) of India. The NRUAV is a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that is designed to perform a variety of military and civilian missions.
The NRUAV is a fixed-wing aircraft that is equipped with a variety of sensors, including electro-optical and infrared cameras, that allow it to capture high-resolution images and conduct real-time surveillance of enemy positions and movements. It is also capable of carrying electronic warfare payloads, such as radio jammers, and can be equipped with weapons, such as missiles or bombs, for combat operations.
The NRUAV has a maximum endurance of 24 hours and can operate at altitudes of up to 30,000 feet, making it suitable for long-range reconnaissance and surveillance missions. It can be controlled remotely from a ground station, which is equipped with a data link to transmit images and other sensor data back to the operators.
#19. Maraal
#20. NAL/ADE Black Kite
NAL/ADE Black Kite is a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by India’s National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) and Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE). It is designed for military and civilian applications, such as aerial surveillance, reconnaissance, and border patrol.
The Black Kite has a wingspan of 2.4 meters and a maximum takeoff weight of 15 kg. It can fly at a maximum speed of 140 km/h and has an endurance of up to 4 hours. The UAV is equipped with a variety of sensors, including electro-optical and infrared cameras, that allow it to capture high-resolution images and conduct real-time surveillance.
#21. NAL/ADE Golden Hawk
#22. NAL/ADE Pushpak
#23. NAL Slybird
#24. PAWAN UAV
PAWAN UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) is a small drone developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India. The primary purpose of PAWAN UAV is to serve as a low-cost surveillance and reconnaissance platform for Indian security forces, particularly those operating in remote and difficult terrain.
PAWAN UAV has a wingspan of 2.8 meters and a length of 1.5 meters. It is powered by an electric motor and is capable of flying at altitudes of up to 5,000 meters with a maximum endurance of up to 2 hours. The UAV is equipped with a variety of sensors, including electro-optical and infrared cameras, which allow it to capture images and conduct real-time surveillance of enemy positions and movements.
Conclusion
Overall, drones provide the military with a valuable tool for intelligence gathering, targeting, and combat operations. Their ability to operate in dangerous environments and stay in the air for long periods of time makes them a valuable asset for military forces around the world. These drones would be key to counter Pak rogue drones and Chinese spy drones.
