The Indian Army is set to significantly enhance its drone warfare capabilities with a proposed acquisition of 850 kamikaze drones, also known as loitering munitions, to equip the Army, other defence services, and special forces.
According to defence sources to ANI, the proposal is at an advanced stage and is expected to receive clearance soon from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC). The Council is scheduled to meet later this month. The procurement will be carried out under fast-track procedures, with the drones and their launchers to be sourced indigenously.
While the Indian Army already operates a wide range of loitering munitions acquired from multiple suppliers, sources confirmed that the Army plans to induct 30,000 more such systems in the near future to strengthen its combat units across theatres.
As part of the restructuring, each infantry battalion will be equipped with a dedicated “Ashni” platoon responsible for operating drones. These units will be used against enemy positions and support counterinsurgency operations, sources added.
Drone action during Op Sindoor
The emphasis on drone warfare follows the Indian Army’s extensive use of unmanned systems during Operation Sindoor. Drones were deployed to strike terrorist headquarters inside Pakistan during the operation, which was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. India had neutralised seven out of nine identified terror targets on the first day of the operation.