Drones, Anti-Drone Systems: Indian Army Plans Battalion-Level Upgrade Post Op Sindoor

If Operation Sindoor asserted something in bold letters, it was undoubtedly the power of drones, which were used heavily in the counteraction against terrorist hideouts in Pakistan. Taking note of the importance and unexplored capabilities of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), the Indian Army is now looking to make them standard weapon systems.

Just recently, it emerged that the Border Security Force (BSF) is working to establish a maiden “drone squadron” which would be deployed along the India-Pakistan border. The force has already started “hardening” its defences and posts against lethal Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) attacks.

Now, the Indian Army is gearing up to undergo a significant organisational overhaul to incorporate UAVs and counter-UAV as standard weapon systems at the battalion level. This upgrade would also involve establishing light commando battalions.

How Indian Army plans to use drone power?

Under discussion for months, the plan to include drones and anti-drone systems at the battalion level gained pace after the May 7 Operation Sindoor, according to a report in The Indian Express. Some of the changes will be drawn from lessons obtained during this operation.

From setting up light commando battalions, making integrated brigades to developing specialised artillery regiments and batteries tailored for future warfare, Indian Army has been working to upgrade itself since Op Sindoor, which was launched as a response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

In its efforts to modernise the force, the Indian Army is working towards incorporating UAVs and counter-UAV systems into infantry battalions, as well as armoured and artillery regiments. This would mark a significant upgrade since drones are currently used as secondary systems by current battalions.

The Army plans to make them standard weapon systems.

Drones at the forefront: What will change?

In the modernisation bid, the Indian Army will be creating a dedicated outfit within each unit, whose primary task will be operating drones. Each arm has been directed to draw up a structure that allows a select number of personnel to focus and train on this front, the report added.

Around 70 personnel from different sections will be reassigned while the key responsibilities of some others will be modified. To fastrack the process, multiple infantry regimental centres have been directed to start raising these battalions. Initial units could be ready for operational deployment within a month.

How Indian Army is becoming dynamic for drones?

In addition to the modernization efforts, the forces are also mulling over the modification of engineer regiments by introducing a drone section in each company for mine detection, reconnaissance and area mapping. Along with this, a plan to bolster Army Aviation Corps with more UAVs for reconnaissance, surveillance and data collection, is being considered.

More drones mean a proper repair unit too. For this, the army is also enhancing the repair capabilities of Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME).