Military Drones in India and Pakistan: A Detailed Analysis Part-2

In the first part of our series, we covered Pakistan’s drone programs in detail. Now, in this second part, we will take a deep dive into India’s drone ecosystem, exploring the key initiatives, success stories, and challenges that define this transformative journey.

India and Its Drone Ecosystem

India recognizes the critical role drones play in addressing the complex geopolitical challenges it faces, including its military standoff with China, tensions with Pakistan, and the ongoing threat of terrorism. In June 2021, India experienced a first-of-its-kind terror attack involving drones, which resulted in injuries to military personnel at the Jammu Air Force Station. Additionally, regions like Punjab and Jammu have seen drones being used to drop arms, ammunition, and drugs. This highlights India’s increasing focus on drones as a strategic asset. As one of the world’s largest importers of drones, India primarily sources its UAVs from Israel, having procured systems like the Heron I, the Searcher Mk II, and the Harop loitering munitions from the country.

In an effort to bolster its surveillance capabilities, the Indian Army recently acquired four advanced Heron 2 drones from Israel, which are satellite-linked and intended for monitoring the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The Army has also ordered over 100 tactical kamikaze drones developed jointly by India and Israel, which were used in the Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict. These drones are expected to enhance India’s operational effectiveness along its borders with both China and Pakistan. Additionally, India has secured approval from the U.S. State Department for the acquisition of 31 armed MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones, further expanding its UAV capabilities.

Beyond imports, India has made significant strides in developing indigenous drone technology. The nation’s drone program began in the 1990s with the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) project to create the Nishant UAV. India has since developed additional UAVs, such as Rustom and Netra, and is in the advanced stages of developing the Tapas Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV, designed for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions.

India’s government is also making concerted efforts to foster a domestic drone industry. Prime Minister Modi has emphasized the importance of supporting Indian companies and accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies like drones. To this end, the government has created new regulatory frameworks to nurture the country’s emerging drone industry, particularly with the introduction of the ‘Drone Rules 2021.’ These regulations aim to support India’s growing military-industrial complex and the development of indigenous drone capabilities.

Several prominent drone manufacturers have emerged in India, including ideaForge, Aarav Unmanned System (AUS), Asteria Aerospace, IOTech, and NextLeap Aeronautics Pvt Ltd. The Indian military has been actively engaging with these private sector players. For example, contracts for swarm drones have been signed with Indian startups New Space Research and Tech and Raphe mPhibr. In 2021, the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force entered into multiple contracts with Indian companies in the field of drone technology, with a strong focus on indigenous solutions. One such deal saw ideaForge securing a $20 million contract for its SWITCH 1.0 UAVs, which will be inducted into the Indian armed forces. These drones are designed for long-duration operations, surveillance, and security inspections.

India’s private drone industry is still in its early stages, but its prospects are bright. Over the next decade, the Indian drone industry is expected to grow into a multibillion-dollar sector. With its expertise in innovation, information technology, cost-effective engineering, and high domestic demand, India has the potential to become a global hub for drones by 2030. As the country continues to advance its indigenous drone capabilities, it is gradually reducing its reliance on foreign imports and moving toward a self-sufficient drone ecosystem.

Enhancements and Acquisitions

Due to the limited availability of domestic resources, India has been forced to rely heavily on importing weapons, ammunition, and surveillance systems from other countries. However, such imports require substantial foreign exchange, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has further disrupted global supply chains, exacerbating India’s reliance on foreign suppliers for its defense needs. In response to these challenges, India is prioritizing the development of indigenous defense technology and manufacturing to reduce dependence on external sources. This initiative is designed to boost the country’s ability to produce defense goods locally and enhance its operational readiness.

India’s efforts to enhance its military capabilities include a focus on developing swarm drone technology. Swarm drones are an advanced form of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that can operate either autonomously or under the command of a single operator. These drones are designed to overwhelm enemy defense through sheer numbers and can perform both surveillance and attack missions. Below are some notable advancements and acquisitions related to swarm drones in India:

1. The First Batch of Indian Army’s Swarm Drones: In September 2021, the Indian Army placed an order worth $15 million with Bangalore-based Newspace Research & Technologies Pvt. Ltd. for its first batch of swarm drones.
2. Swarm Drone Systems for Surveillance and Attack: The Indian Army ordered swarm drones from Newspace for their versatility in both surveillance and attack operations. These drones are equipped with advanced technology to identify and engage targets, significantly enhancing the Army’s operational flexibility.
3. Loitering Munitions and High-Altitude Drones: The Indian Army has also acquired high-altitude drones and loitering munitions, which are capable of reaching significant altitudes to deliver payloads during reconnaissance and offensive operations.
4. Swarm Drone Competition: To improve its combat capabilities, the Indian Army has invested in sophisticated swarm drone systems, procured through the Swarm Drone Competition. These drones are designed to conduct both surveillance and strike operations, powered by cutting-edge AI-driven software for accurate target identification.
5. Veda Defence Systems’ $36 Million Contract: Veda Defence Systems, a company based in New Delhi, secured a contract worth INR 3 billion (approximately $36 million) to produce 200 long-range swarm drones for the Indian Air Force. These kamikaze drones are designed to operate in groups, executing coordinated attacks or defensive missions in flight.
6. Indigenous Navigation and Anti-Swarm Drone Systems by the Indian Navy: The Indian Navy has developed an indigenous navigation system and anti-swarm drones to defend against enemy drone attacks. This new anti-swarm system creates a protective shield around naval assets, safeguarding them from hostile drone strikes. In October 2023, the Indian Navy showcased its anti-drone technology, including 30mm ammunition for countering swarm attacks, at the Swavalambam 2023 event.

Induction of AI-Driven Swarm Drones by the Indian Army

The Indian Army has begun incorporating swarm drones into its mechanized forces, marking a significant step toward embracing disruptive and niche technologies. This move is expected to enhance the Army’s capacity to address national security threats more effectively.

India’s swarm drone system is equipped with advanced AI-driven software, allowing it to identify and target threats with remarkable precision. The system consists of multiple drones that can be controlled from a central station and programmed to perform various tasks, including surveillance.

As tensions with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) persist, with Chinese forces remaining deployed since 2020, the Indian Army is focusing on transforming itself into a technology-driven force. It has reportedly begun the process of submitting a proposal for the development of the Autonomous Surveillance and Armed Drone Swarm (ASAD-S), which will further enhance its surveillance and combat capabilities.

India’s Drone Development: Enhancing Capabilities with Strategic Implications

India’s drone program has seen significant progress in recent years as part of its efforts to modernize the military and address evolving security concerns, especially along its borders with China and Pakistan. By mid-2024, India had integrated between 2,000 and 2,500 drones into its defense forces, with total investments ranging from USD $361.45 million to $421.69 million. These drones play a key role in surveillance, cargo transportation, and tactical operations, furthering India’s military modernization goals.

In light of the persistent tensions between India and Pakistan, where the threat of miscalculations remains high, the future of drone technology will be crucial in shaping confidence-building measures between the two countries.

One of the standout advancements in India’s drone program is the deployment of swarm drones, which are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that work in coordinated groups to carry out complex missions. These swarm drones are seen as an integral part of India’s defense strategy, especially in countering threats from Pakistan. In February 2023, the Indian Army began deploying its first heterogeneous swarm UAV system, developed by NewSpace Research & Technologies, a local firm. This marks India’s commitment to incorporating cutting-edge drone technology into its military forces.

Swarm drones offer both offensive and defensive capabilities. Offensively, they can overwhelm enemy defense by attacking multiple targets at once, including high-value assets such as nuclear delivery vehicles. Their ability to operate in large, synchronized groups makes them highly effective in saturating and disrupting enemy defense, potentially neutralizing crucial military infrastructure. When integrated with India’s precision missile systems, these drones could enhance real-time targeting accuracy, enabling more precise strikes—including preemptive attacks—on key targets in Pakistan.

Additionally, AI-powered surveillance systems can provide real-time intelligence to support drone operations, boosting the precision and effectiveness of these missions. India’s swarm drones could also play a role in air defense and nuclear alert systems by intercepting incoming drone threats and monitoring Pakistani nuclear forces deployed near the border.

India’s robust industrial base provides a crucial edge in sustaining drone operations during prolonged conflicts. With a thriving ecosystem of over 200 startups focused on drone technology, India has the capacity to rapidly replace lost drones and sustain operational effectiveness over extended periods. This ability to maintain pressure and replenish assets efficiently could be a decisive factor in modern warfare.

Implications for Strategic Stability

The rapid spread of drones in South Asia is raising concerns about strategic stability. As drones become increasingly integral to military strategies, their potential to alter traditional deterrence dynamics is becoming more apparent. In a nuclearized South Asia, drones’ ability to conduct precise strikes on strategic assets, including nuclear facilities, heightens the stakes in any conflict.

India’s potential use of swarm drones, integrated with its missile defense systems and precision strike capabilities, could fundamentally shift the region’s strategic balance. While these drones could target Pakistan’s nuclear delivery systems, such a scenario would likely arise only in the context of extreme conventional conflict. In nuclearized South Asia, the ability of drones to strike precisely at strategic assets, including nuclear weapons, significantly raises the stakes in any potential conflict.

Although Pakistan has developed drones domestically, its drone fleet remains heavily reliant on foreign imports, with a limited indigenous production capacity due to the weak local drone industry. This dependency on external sources could become a vulnerability in the event of a prolonged conflict, like a full-scale war with India or a situation resembling the Russia-Ukraine conflict. If diplomatic pressures or supply chain disruptions hinder Pakistan’s ability to acquire new drones, it may be forced to rely more heavily on its nuclear deterrent to maintain strategic stability.

India’s Position in Military Drone Development

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), or drones, have become integral to modern warfare due to their efficiency in various military operations such as surveillance, targeted strikes, and counter-terrorism efforts. India’s journey with UAVs began in 1990, when the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) initiated the Nishant UAV project. Although India successfully developed four Nishant UAVs, the Indian Army was dissatisfied with their performance, leading to the cancellation of the wheeled version, ‘Panchi.’ As a result, India’s UAV requirements are largely fulfilled through imports, particularly from Israel, including systems like the Heron I, the Searcher Mk II, and the Harop loitering munition. In 2021, India acquired additional UAVs, including upgraded Heron models for surveillance purposes. In recent years, drones have become increasingly essential to the Indian military, aiding in reconnaissance, imaging, damage assessment, and payload delivery.

Given India’s geopolitical position, particularly its rivalry with Pakistan, ongoing regional terrorism, and standoffs with China, a comprehensive drone policy is crucial. Additionally, robust counter-drone strategies are needed, as there has been a significant rise in drone-related incidents along India’s international borders. For example, in 2021, the Border Security Force (BSF) reported around 67 of the 100 drone sightings in the Punjab Frontier, highlighting the growing concern along the international border.

India’s Unmanned Capabilities

UAVs offer a low-cost, low-risk, and highly effective means of intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and target acquisition (TA). They can be deployed quickly over vast areas, enhancing situational awareness and operational tempo, and reducing the sensor-to-shooter time gap. When integrated with other sensors, UAVs provide real-time validation of intelligence, improving the quality of information available to commanders. Below are some of the UAVs in use or under development in India:

The Tactical Airborne Platform for Aerial Surveillance-Beyond Horizon 201 (TAPAS-BH-201), formerly known as Rustom-II, is an indigenous medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by India’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a branch of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Designed to perform intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, TAPAS-BH-201 aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces.

• TAPAS: The TAPAS-BH-201 project remains active, with ongoing efforts to enhance its performance and align it with the operational needs of the Indian Armed Forces. The planned induction of 10 units signifies a strategic move to integrate indigenous UAVs into India’s defense apparatus, while continuous evaluations and upgrades aim to address previous shortcomings and elevate the platform’s capabilities.  In summary, the TAPAS-BH-201 UAV is progressing through a phase of refinement and operational integration, reflecting India’s dedication to developing and deploying homegrown defense technologies.  As of February 2025, the TAPAS-BH-201 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) continues to be a focal point in India’s defense landscape. Despite earlier challenges, including the project’s demotion from ‘Mission Mode Project’ status in January 2024 due to unmet operational requirements, the Indian Armed Forces have shown renewed interest in the platform.

• Nishant: Developed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), the Nishant UAV is designed for intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, surveillance, target designation, artillery fire correction, and damage assessment. It can be catapult-launched and recovered using a parachute system, eliminating the need for a runway. As of now Nishant has been cancelled due to 4 consecutive crashes.
• Heron—India utilizes the Heron UAV for various missions, including search and rescue operations, such as those carried out during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Capable of operating for over 24 hours at altitudes up to 32,000 feet, the Heron supports intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) tasks with multiple payloads. To strengthen its military capabilities, the Indian government has approved the procurement of armed Heron TP drones for deployment across all branches of the armed forces.

Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the Heron is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV designed for both strategic and tactical operations. It delivers real-time intelligence through an advanced sensor suite and is used by multiple nations, including Australia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Canada, Ecuador, Germany, Israel, Singapore, Turkey, and the United States.

In 2014, reports indicated that the Indian Air Force valued a single Heron UAV at approximately ₹80 crore (around USD 10 million). However, the final cost may vary based on factors such as customization, procurement volume, and additional services.

As of February 2025, the Heron UAV continues to be primarily manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). While discussions have taken place regarding the local production of the Heron Mk II in India, these plans have yet to materialize. During Defexpo 2022 in Gujarat, proposals were introduced for a potential collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce the UAV domestically under license.  Although Heron UAVs are not yet manufactured in India, other Israeli drones are being produced locally. A notable example is the Hermes 900 Starliner, which is built by the Adani Group in partnership with Israel’s Elbit Systems at a facility in Hyderabad, achieving 60% indigenous content.

• Harpy: Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries, the Harpy is a loitering munition used to target radar systems, especially in suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD) roles. It has a range of 500 km and a top speed of 185 km/h.  India has been a key operator of the Harpy UAV since the early 2000s, acquiring these drones to strengthen its air defense suppression capabilities. The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Army use the Harpy to neutralize enemy radar systems, particularly in border regions.

In 2009, India signed a $100 million deal with IAI to upgrade its existing Harpy fleet.

Reports indicated that India was in discussions to acquire the latest version, the Harop (Harpy 2), which features improved AI-based target recognition and man-in-the-loop control, allowing for mid-flight adjustments before striking.

Harpy drones have been deployed along the China and Pakistan borders, particularly for electronic warfare operations and counter-radar missions.

Upgrades and Future Use

The Harop (Harpy 2) is a modernized variant with extended loitering capabilities and enhanced AI-driven target selection.

India is exploring domestic production of loitering munitions and has tested indigenous alternatives, but the Harpy remains a key asset in its arsenal.  The Harpy system is expected to play a significant role in India’s future air warfare strategies, particularly for pre-emptive strikes on enemy air defense systems.

Searcher

The Searcher series of UAVs are in service across India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force. The Searcher Mk II is deployed along the India-Pakistan and India-China borders and is known for its reconnaissance capabilities in high-altitude areas like the Himalayas.  India has been operating the IAI Searcher UAV since the late 1990s, using it for reconnaissance and surveillance missions. The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force extensively deploy Searcher UAVs for border monitoring, intelligence gathering, and maritime surveillance.

Indian Deployment & Upgrades

The Indian Armed Forces operate both Searcher Mk I and Mk II variants. In 1996, India first acquired the Searcher Mk I for military reconnaissance. In 2002, India upgraded its fleet with the Searcher Mk II, which offers higher endurance, better sensors, and greater operational range. The Indian Navy uses Searcher UAVs for coastal and maritime surveillance, helping track movements in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The Indian Army and Air Force deploy them for border surveillance along China and Pakistan to track troop movements and detect infiltrations. Searcher UAVs were used in Kargil (1999) and subsequent border conflicts for intelligence-gathering operations.

Current Status & Future Prospects

Replacement by Indigenous UAVs: India is actively working on replacing foreign UAVs with indigenous alternatives such as the DRDO Rustom and TAPAS-BH-201 UAVs.

Upgrades & Collaborations: India is upgrading its UAV fleet with advanced ISR capabilities and is exploring domestic UAV production.

IAI’s Continued Partnership: Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) continues to provide maintenance and support for India’s Searcher UAV fleet, ensuring operational readiness.

• Rustom: This Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV, developed by DRDO, is used for reconnaissance and target acquisition. It has variants like Rustom-I, Rustom-H, and Rustom-II, with a payload capacity of 95 kg. The UAV is designed for both military and civilian applications and has attracted international interest.
• Imperial Eagle: This lightweight mini-UAV, developed by DRDO and the Aeronautical Development Establishment, is designed for use by the National Security Guard and other military services. It weighs only 2.5 kg and can carry either a daylight or thermal camera. It is small enough to be carried in a soldier’s backpack and launched by hand.
• Netra: The Netra is a lightweight, autonomous UAV developed by DRDO in collaboration with IdeaForge. It is primarily used for surveillance and reconnaissance and can fly up to 2.5 km from its launch point. It features a high-resolution camera and thermal imaging for both day and night operations.  The Netra UAV has been widely deployed, with over 700 units in service across the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and other agencies. IdeaForge, the company behind Netra, currently has a production capacity of 10 UAVs per month and is working on a more advanced variant of the base model.

The success of the Netra UAV has created numerous opportunities for private industry involvement. However, a key challenge remains—the design and development of essential components such as sensors, motors, and propellers. The armed forces require high-precision drones with weaponized capabilities.

• Lakshya: The Lakshya is a pilotless target aircraft developed by HAL and DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment. It is used by the Indian military for target acquisition and reconnaissance, with a rocket-assisted launch and parachute recovery system. It is used by all three branches of India’s armed forces.

India’s investment in UAV technology demonstrates its ongoing commitment to modernizing its military and enhancing its capabilities to respond to regional security challenges. As India continues to expand its drone fleet, it aims to strengthen its strategic position and maintain a technological edge over its adversaries.

FUTURE MILESTONES

Aura/Ghatak 

In a major step forward for what is by far India’s most ambitious aviation exercise, the first budgetary funds have begun to flow into Project Ghatak. The project began as the DRDO’s Autonomous Unmanned Research Aircraft—AURA.

Also Read, Understanding AURA UCAV Programme

Ghatak is likely to be powered by a modified dry thrust version of the Kaveri engine. It will have a flying wing planform with internal weapons and will sport stealth characteristics developed wholly in-house. While the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is overseeing the program along with the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), the real R&D is being front-footed by two academic institutions: IIT Bombay and IIT Kanpur. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) was established in 1984 to oversee the development of India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program. It has successfully developed the Tejas and is currently working on the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF), and the DRDO Ghatak project. In contrast, the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) serves as a key aeronautical systems design house, specializing in the design and development of cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and aeronautical systems for the Indian Armed Forces. However, unlike ADA, ADE has struggled to deliver UAV systems that meet the operational requirements of the services, whereas ADA has successfully delivered the LCA to the Indian Air Force.

It is important to highlight that ADA played a crucial role in advancing the GHATAK configuration and its associated technologies to a high level of maturity before the project was transferred to ADE. This groundwork allowed ADE to seamlessly continue development and conduct successful scaled test flights. ADA’s meticulous optimization of internal and external aerodynamics, low radar cross-section (RCS) shaping, and other critical design aspects significantly contributed to the success of the GHATAK test flights at ADE. Notably, ADA’s precision in configuration design was so exceptional that ADE—despite its history of UAV design challenges and flight failures—was able to successfully fly ADA’s world-class flying wing UCAV design without any mishaps. This serves as a testament to ADA’s outstanding indigenous design expertise throughout the GHATAK project while it remained under ADA’s leadership.

One of the reasons for transferring the GHATAK project from ADA to ADE was DRDO’s intent to elevate ADE and other DRDO labs by associating them with high-profile projects. Several DRDO establishments, such as GTRE (Gas Turbine Research Establishment) and ADE, had been under scrutiny for their failure to deliver key projects. GTRE, for instance, faced setbacks with the KAVERI engine for the LCA, while ADE struggled to meet operational UAV requirements, particularly with the Nishant and RUSTOM UAV programs—issues that eventually led to the reported closure of the RUSTOM project. With the GHATAK project now transferred to ADE, it has become a critical initiative for the lab, now rebranded under the SWIFT and Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft (RPSA) programs.

Ground testing of the Ghatak UCAV was reported in January 2020, with its maiden flight initially expected in 2022. However, some sources now suggest that the first flight may take place between 2025 and 2026. Reports claiming that Ghatak completed its first flight in June 2020 likely refer to the subscale SWIFT test article. As of late 2020, the exact status of the program remained somewhat unclear, further complicated by inconsistencies in Indian media coverage, which sometimes fail to differentiate between generic UCAV imagery and actual Indian projects. Additionally, as film enthusiasts would recognize, large-scale flying models can convincingly mimic full-scale aircraft.

Moving forward, Ghatak is expected to involve significant private sector participation, particularly due to its strong connections with India’s AMCA fifth-generation stealth fighter program. In both the medium and long term, UAVs equipped with multiple onboard sensors—including Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), long-range electro-optical (LREO) sensors, ELINT, COMINT, electronic warfare (EW) systems, communication repeaters, GPS, infrared line scanners (IRLS), and laser designators for targeting—will be essential. Developing an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) represents the next logical step in reducing sensor-to-shooter time, ensuring both intelligence gathering and strike capabilities are integrated into a single platform.

UAV Panchi

Punchi is a wheeled version of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Nishant which is undergoing trials. UAV Panchi has some plus points as compared to UAV Nishant. It doesn’t contain parachutes and landing bags which reduces its weight and increases its endurance, and its small size as compared to Nishant makes it hard to find in the enemy’s sky. The Indian Armed Forces did not move forward with large-scale induction of the Panchi UAV.

Reports suggest that despite successful testing, the Panchi UAV project has been largely discontinued in favor of more advanced UAV programs like Rustom, Tapas-BH-201, and Archer UAVs.

India is currently focusing on indigenous Medium and High-Altitude Long Endurance (MALE/HALE) UAVs, reducing interest in short-range UAVs like Panchi.

MQ-9 Reaper

The United States has approved the sale of Predator Guardian drones to India. On October 15, 2024, India and the United States finalized a $3.5 billion agreement for the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B armed High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). The deal, facilitated through an intergovernmental agreement, was executed under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program and involves General Atomics as the manufacturer. These drones are unarmed and were developed by the US Office of Air and Marine (OAM) in collaboration with the US Coast Guard. The Guardian variant is an upgraded version of the standard MQ-9 Reaper, featuring structural, avionics, and communication enhancements along with a Raytheon SeaVue Marine Search Radar. Its Electro-Optical/Infrared Sensor is specifically optimized for maritime surveillance. The MQ-9 RPA is a Combination of AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, GBU-12 Paveway II, GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munitions, GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway II, and GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munitions.

The General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper (also known as Predator B) is a remotely piloted aircraft designed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), primarily for the United States Air Force. It is equipped with a Digital Electronic Engine Control (DEEC) system, which improves engine efficiency and reduces fuel consumption at lower altitudes.

Currently, the MQ-9 Reaper is in service with several nations, including Australia, the Dominican Republic, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The aircraft boasts an endurance of over 27 hours, can operate at a maximum altitude of 50,000 feet, and reaches speeds of up to 240 KTAS. Additionally, its fault-tolerant, triple-redundant flight control system ensures over 90% operational availability.

CATS

The Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) is India’s ambitious UAV program aimed at revolutionizing air combat through advanced unmanned aerial capabilities. Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), CATS is designed to provide the Indian Air Force (IAF) with a loyal wingman-style drone ecosystem that enhances operational capabilities in contested environments. If successfully integrated, the CATS Warrior will have an indigenous power plant, boosting India’s self-reliance in unmanned combat aviation. HAL is expected to conduct further tests to refine the engine-airframe integration for optimal performance. The successful development of the HTFE-25 will be a major milestone for India’s UAV and fighter jet programs, including future loyal wingman drones and advanced combat aircraft. 

1. CATS Warrior—A stealthy, semi-autonomous UCAV designed to operate alongside manned fighter jets like the Tejas and Rafale. It can carry out reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and precision strikes.
2. CATS Hunter—A high-speed, air-launched cruise missile-like drone that can strike enemy targets deep inside hostile territory, reducing risk to manned aircraft.
3. CATS ALFA-S (Air-Launched Flexible Asset-Swarm) – A swarm drone system that can be deployed from a mothership aircraft, capable of overwhelming enemy air defences and conducting surveillance or kamikaze-style attacks.
4. CATS Infinity—A high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) UAV with solar-powered capabilities, designed for persistent surveillance and strategic reconnaissance missions.

Strategic Significance:

• Force Multiplier—CATS will enable manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T), where UAVs work alongside fighter jets, significantly boosting combat effectiveness.
• Counter to China’s UAV Dominance—With China deploying advanced UCAVs like the Wing Loong II and stealth drones, CATS will help India maintain strategic parity in aerial warfare.
• Edge Over Pakistan— Pakistan’s reliance on Chinese drones can be countered by India’s indigenous swarm and loyal wingman capabilities, providing asymmetric advantages.
• Indigenous Technological Leap—CATS aligns with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, reducing dependency on foreign UAVs while fostering domestic drone innovation.
• CATS Warrior 2: The Next Evolution in India’s Loyal Wingman Program – While HAL has officially revealed the CATS Warrior UCAV, there has been no confirmed announcement of a “CATS Warrior 2” yet. However, it is possible that HAL is working on an enhanced variant or next-generation evolution of the CATS Warrior under future unmanned combat programs.  If CATS Warrior 1 succeeds, HAL may introduce an advanced Warrior 2 version by the late 2020s or early 2030s, aligning with India’s future air combat requirements.

Way Forward 

To make CATS a reality, India needs to:

• Fast-track development and testing to ensure timely deployment.
• Enhance AI-driven autonomous operations for swarm drones and UCAVs.
• Expand collaborations with private defense firms to accelerate production.
• Integrate electronic warfare (EW) capabilities to counter enemy drones.

India’s Growing Need for Armed UAVs

Military experts assert that armed drones will significantly enhance India’s offensive capabilities, particularly along the Himalayan borders with China and against terrorist hideouts in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

India has long employed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, operating along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Bay of Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arabian Sea, and Maldivian waters. However, with the introduction of armed UAVs, the Indian military will be capable of conducting remote-controlled operations and precision strikes against enemy targets, including terrorist camps in PoK and strategic locations along the China border. Currently, India relies primarily on Israeli drones for surveillance and reconnaissance, but lacks armed UAV capabilities.

Given China’s rapid advancements in drone technology, it is only a matter of time before Pakistan acquires Chinese-made combat drones, posing a strategic challenge to India. India’s existing UAV inventory remains insufficient to meet future battlefield demands, making it imperative to scale up procurement and development efforts. The effectiveness of UAVs has been demonstrated in counter-terrorism operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, underscoring their potential for surgical strikes and battlefield operations. The Indian Armed Forces must carefully assess their future UAV requirements and collaborate with DRDO and private defense manufacturers to address key technological and operational challenges.

To bridge the capability gap, India should actively seek partnerships with leading UAV manufacturers from the US and Israel, encouraging joint ventures with private Indian firms for indigenous UAV development. However, resistance from India’s inefficient public sector defense establishments may pose challenges, requiring strong government intervention to ensure progress.

Encouragingly, private Indian companies have begun entering the UAV sector. One notable example is the Adani Elbit UAV manufacturing facility in Hyderabad, a joint venture (JV) between Adani Defence & Aerospace and Israel’s Elbit Systems. This facility is India’s first private UAV manufacturing unit and the first outside Israel to produce Israeli UAVs, including the Hermes 900 MALE and Hermes 450 UAVs.

The increasing role of drones in modern warfare highlights the urgent need for India to arm its Air Force with more UAVs and UCAVs. Acquiring and deploying these advanced aerial systems cannot be delayed or constrained by the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ programs.

With the growing importance of both combat and reconnaissance UAVs, the Indian Armed Forces have outlined a clear roadmap for expanding their UAV fleet. It is essential that all three services—the Army, Navy, and Air Force—continue to increase their UAV, UCAV, and UAS inventories to maintain a strategic edge in modern warfare.

In the next part of this series, we will compare the UAVs of India and Pakistan side by side. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comment section below. Stay tuned.