Indian Army Drone Integration Post-Operation Sindoor

Why in News?

The BSF’s Drone Warfare School in Tekanpur, Madhya Pradesh, will soon graduate its first batch of 47 “drone commandos”, trained in piloting, surveillance, and combat operations. The initiative, post-Operation Sindoor, aims to integrate drones as standard battlefield and border-security weapons.

Description:

1. Integration of UAVs at Battalion Level:
   1. UAVs and counter-UAV systems to become standard assets in infantry, armoured, and artillery units.
   1. Dedicated UAV teams per battalion for surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat.
   1. ~70 personnel per infantry battalion reassigned for drone operations.
2. Bhairav Light Commando Battalions:
   1. 30 new battalions to be raised, each with 250 soldiers.
   1. Specialised in rapid strike and mission-specific operations.
   1. First battalions to be operational within a month.
3. Rudra Integrated Brigades:
   1. Existing brigades to be restructured into Rudra Brigades combining infantry, armour, artillery, UAVs, and logistics.
   1. Capable of independent operations across conventional and hybrid warfare scenarios.
4. Artillery Modernisation:
   1. Formation of drone batteries alongside traditional artillery.
   1. Divyastra Units: Combine long-range guns, loitering munitions, and anti-drone systems.
   1. Enhanced deep-strike and area-defence capabilities.
5. Armoured, Mechanised Infantry, and Engineers:
   1. Reconnaissance platoons upgraded with surveillance and strike drones.
   1. Engineers use drones for mine detection, mapping, and reconnaissance.
6. Drone R&D and Support:
   1. Army Aviation Corps strengthened with UAVs to reduce helicopter dependency.
   1. Corps of Electronics & Mechanical Engineers (EME) to enhance drone repair infrastructure.
   1. Collaboration with IIT Delhi and IIT Kanpur for AI-driven, weaponised, and stealth drones.
   1. Indigenous drone production boosted by PLI Scheme (₹120 crore, 2021-24) and import restrictions.

Strategic Significance:

• Moves towards autonomous drone warfare.
• Enhances battalion-level operational autonomy.
• Aligns India’s military doctrine with modern hybrid and AI-enabled warfare.
• Reduces dependency on ad hoc procurement and foreign imports.

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