The Indian Army is set to expand its fleet of heavy-duty drones to enhance long-range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
A long-term roadmap for this expansion is expected to be released soon, with a focus on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely-piloted aircraft (RPAs) capable of operating beyond 1,000 kilometers (621 miles).
The army will prioritize drones that can fly at altitudes up to 30,000 feet (9,144 meters) to avoid detection, with a minimum endurance of 24 hours to support extended missions.
Sources familiar with the plan did not specify a timeline for implementation.
“UAVs and RPA systems reduce risk to soldiers, allow longer operational endurance, and provide precision-strike capabilities,” a source told The Times of India.
“They also enhance counter-terrorism operations by tracking cross-border infiltrations and carrying out strikes in terrorist hideouts.”
Rivaling China and Pakistan
Reports indicate the Indian Army currently operates around 50 Israeli-origin Heron Mark-I and Mark-II drones, as well as Searcher-II medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) drones.
This is far fewer than China’s thousands of medium- and long-range UAVs, including the Wing Loong-II and Hongdu GJ-11 Sharp Sword.
Pakistan also has an estimated 200 MALE drones, many of which are supplied by Beijing.
“The Army needs advanced MALE drones because of the two long, ‘active’ borders with China and Pakistan, both of which require continuous, real-time intelligence-gathering and monitoring,” the source explained.
Investments in Drones
Despite having fewer drones than its regional adversaries, India has made significant investments to strengthen its drone capabilities in recent months.
In September 2024, India showcased domestically-built drones capable of reaching altitudes over 15,000 feet (4,572 meters).
The country also approved the purchase of 31 MQ-9B drones from the US, a move expected to enhance its surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
Last month, New Delhi officially joined the Eurodrone program as an observer state. The program aims to develop a MALE UAV that can carry out advanced ISR missions.