The advent of drone technology has transformed warfare, enabling nations to reshape their strategies and tactics on the battlefield. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have emerged as formidable tools in conflict zones, including the Indian subcontinent.
Drones have many military applications in India that include surveillance and reconnaissance, border security, search and rescue missions, target acquisition, battlefield monitoring, and mine detection and clearance.
Over the years, drones have become increasingly prevalent in conflict zones worldwide. Their ability to navigate challenging terrains, gather real-time intelligence, and perform targeted strikes has made them invaluable assets.
Neighbouring Threats and Defensive Innovation
India, with its diverse landscapes and security concerns, has harnessed the power of drones for multiple purposes. From the rugged mountains of Kashmir to the coastal regions of Gujarat, drones have found their place in the country’s defence apparatus.
Drones have played a significant role in the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan. In June 2021, drones were used to carry out a targeted attack on the Indian Air Force station in Jammu, marking a new escalation in the use of unmanned aerial systems in cross-border hostilities.
Drones have been utilized by India in border surveillance and monitoring activities in regions like Ladakh, where tensions between India and China have escalated in recent years. Drones have helped in enhancing situational awareness and monitoring enemy activities along the disputed border areas.
In 2020, the Indian Army used drones to deliver essential medical supplies to remote areas of Nepal during the COVID-19 pandemic. The drones provided a faster and more efficient means of transportation, overcoming the challenges of difficult terrain and limited accessibility.
The Indian Navy has used drones for maritime surveillance and security operations in the waters surrounding Sri Lanka. Drones assist in monitoring maritime activities, ensuring the safety of shipping lanes, and preventing illegal activities such as smuggling and piracy.
Surveillance and Reconnaissance
One of the primary applications of drones in conflict zones is surveillance and reconnaissance. The ability of drones to survey vast areas, collect visual data, and relay critical information in real-time has proven invaluable for military operations. Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging technology aid in detecting enemy movements and identifying potential threats.
Drones provide Indian Armed Forces with unmatched capabilities to excel in the most challenging conditions. They are capable of helping Defence forces become more flexible and agile to counter the vulnerabilities of traditional systems.
“Our military drones are equipped with highly advanced sensors that can collect accurate data and provide decision-makers with a real-time picture of a situation,” says Neel Mehta, Co-Founder & Director, Asteria Aerospace Limited, to Geospatial World.
“They are designed as such that they can fly in some of the most challenging environments – from mountainous terrain, high-altitude areas (4500m-6000m), and extreme temperatures (-20°C to 55°C) to snow-covered areas, forested regions, and everything in between,” he said.
Drones maximize information sharing amongst Defence teams and thus help in creating a coordinated response. Drones can help in creating solutions that can facilitate higher adaptability and agility to make Defence personnel cope in a better way with rapidly changing operational environments which helps in the interoperability aspect between the different arms of the Defence.
Border Security
India’s volatile border regions pose significant challenges in terms of security. Drones have emerged as crucial tools in bolstering border security. In areas such as Jammu and Kashmir, drones provide constant vigilance, allowing authorities to monitor and respond swiftly to any intrusions or suspicious activities. The utilization of drones in border surveillance not only enhances situational awareness but also helps in preventing infiltrations and minimizing casualties.
Search and Rescue Operations
Natural disasters, such as floods and cyclones, wreak havoc on communities, necessitating rapid response and rescue operations. Drones have proven to be indispensable in such scenarios. Equipped with thermal sensors and high-resolution cameras, they aid in locating survivors in disaster-stricken areas.
Drone companies help disaster management organizations as well as state police departments in supporting disaster relief and management efforts with real-time aerial intelligence. These drones come with high endurance, swappable payloads, omnidirectional obstacle detection and avoidance, geofencing, dual GPS sensors for redundancy, and multiple failsafe modes for safe and efficient operations in the most difficult of conditions.
They help disaster management teams expand their capabilities by providing wider coverage, access to high-quality and real-time data, 360° view of affected areas and provide maximum situational awareness in challenging environments to best direct the resources at hand. In addition, these drones can be used to survey damages, locate missing people, and reach remote & inaccessible areas faster and more efficiently.
Police forces have used Asteria drones extensively during COVID lockdowns to monitor crowd gatherings and movements and helped direct ground resources to the most needed areas as soon as possible.
Drones from Garuda Aerospace had also been utilized by the NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) in disaster relief and response in the state of Uttarakhand.
“Our long-range assessment drone Identified swell areas, high-risk areas that need an immediate fix. Constant aerial surveillance and assessment is most necessary to issue warnings to people working on the ground. Often, search and rescue ops get delayed owing to false alarms, in the absence of predictive analysis,” stated Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder, Garuda Aerospace.
Target Acquisition
Drones play a crucial role in target acquisition during military operations. Their ability to gather intelligence and track enemy movements aids in identifying high-value targets. By relaying real-time data to command centres, drones provide valuable insights, enabling military strategists to make informed decisions and execute precision strikes.
Battlefield Monitoring
Monitoring the battlefield is vital for assessing the effectiveness of military operations and making timely adjustments. Drones equipped with advanced sensors and cameras provide an aerial perspective, enabling commanders to monitor troop movements, identify enemy positions, and evaluate the progress of missions. This enhanced situational awareness contributes significantly to the success of military campaigns.
Mine Detection and Clearance
In conflict zones plagued by the remnants of war, such as landmines, drones are utilized for mine detection and clearance. The deployment of drones equipped with specialized sensors helps identify and map hazardous areas, reducing the risk to personnel. These UAVs aid in the safe removal and disposal of explosive devices, ensuring the safety of both military personnel and civilians.
As drone technology continues to evolve, its impact on conflict zones becomes increasingly profound. In India, the utilization of drones has expanded across various domains as explained above. Drones offer an unparalleled advantage, providing real-time intelligence, enhancing situational awareness, and mitigating risks to human life. As we navigate the future, drones are poised to play an even more significant role in shaping military operations and safeguarding the lives of those involved in conflicts around the world.
