Context:
- The Indian Army is significantly expanding the induction of drones and counter-drone systems to adapt to the realities of modern, technology-driven warfare.
- The initiative seeks to equip every soldier with drone operation skills, enhancing capabilities across combat, surveillance, logistics, and battlefield awareness.
Key Highlights:
Government / Military Initiative:
- Conceptualised as “Eagle in the Arm”, the programme aims to make drone handling a core soldiering skill.
- Drone training centres established at premier institutions:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
- Infantry School, Mhow
- Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai
Force Structuring & Deployment:
- Every infantry battalion to be equipped with a dedicated drone platoon.
- Artillery regiments to be fitted with counter-drone systems for battlefield protection.
- Divyastra batteries to be raised to enhance precision strike capability and survivability.
Operational Applications:
- Drones to be integrated into standard military operations for:
- Combat support and precision targeting
- Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)
- Logistics resupply in difficult terrain
- Medical evacuation and casualty assessment
Counter-Drone Capabilities:
- Induction of layered counter-drone systems to:
- Detect, track, and neutralise hostile UAVs
- Protect troops and critical assets from asymmetric aerial threats
Significance / Strategic Rationale:
- Reflects lessons from recent global conflicts where drones played a decisive role.
- Enhances situational awareness, precision, and force protection.
- Strengthens preparedness against state and non-state drone threats.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Issue: Growing role of drones and UAVs in modern warfare.
- Causes:
- Rapid technological advancements
- Increased use of drones by adversaries and non-state actors
- Government / Military Initiatives:
- “Eagle in the Arm” concept
- Drone platoons at battalion level
- Induction of counter-drone systems
- Benefits:
- Improved surveillance and targeting
- Reduced soldier exposure and casualties
- Enhanced logistics and medical support
- Challenges:
- Training scale and skill standardisation
- Cyber and electronic warfare vulnerabilities
- Impact:
- Transformation towards a network-centric, tech-enabled army
Relevant Mains Points:
Facts, Definitions, and Concepts:
- Drone (UAV): Unmanned aerial vehicle used for surveillance, combat, and support roles.
- Counter-Drone System: Technologies to detect, identify, jam, or destroy hostile drones.
- Infantry Battalion: Basic fighting unit responsible for ground combat operations.
Conceptual & Strategic Dimensions:
- Shift from manpower-centric to technology-enabled warfare
- Importance of ISR dominance in modern conflicts
- Role of unmanned systems in enhancing precision and survivability
Internal Security Angle:
- Counter-drone capabilities critical for:
- Border management
- Counter-terrorism operations
- Protection of military installations
Way Forward:
- Indigenous development under Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence drones
- Integration of AI, autonomy, and swarm technologies
- Robust counter-drone doctrine combining kinetic and non-kinetic measures
- Continuous training and doctrinal evolution to match emerging threats
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS Paper 3: Internal Security, Defence preparedness, Science & Technology
- Prelims: Drones, UAVs, counter-drone systems, modern warfare concepts