The Indian Army’s mechanised forces are introducing swarm drone systems capable of carrying out offensive missions in enemy territory, with scores of drones working in formations to identify, encircle, and strike targets, while a proposal to develop light tanks for rapid deployment and high mobility in mountains to counter Chinese capabilities is set to go before the defence ministry on Friday, officials familiar with the matter said.
According to one of the officials, drone swarms will be a force multiplier for commanders because the systems will enable better surveillance, close reconnaissance of areas of interest, and, if necessary, engage a slew of targets, including enemy artillery, air defence equipment, command, and control centres, tanks, infantry combat vehicles, and ammunition and fuel dumps.
“A group of drones operating in tandem with the ground maneuver forces will provide a significant capability for offensive and defensive operations and sharpen the army’s combat potential,” he said.
On the back of drone technology, mechanised forces have been equipped with the capability of supplying decisive results in military operations and recent conflicts around the world, including the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
The addition of drone swarm abilities reflects the army’s increased emphasis on emerging and disruptive technologies in order to transition from a manpower-intensive force to a technology-enabled force, according to a second official who also spoke on the condition of anonymity.
According to the second official, artificial intelligence-based algorithms enable the drones to distribute tasks within the swarm, smoothly navigate to the target area, conduct a search, identify and strike the targets, or transmit the inputs to the control station for engagement by the weapon of choice.
