Indian Army has unveiled a comprehensive Technology Roadmap for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Loitering Munitions in New Delhi. The ~50-page strategic document provides long-term visibility of the Army’s requirements and reflects the evolving nature of modern warfare, especially the increasing role of drones in recent conflicts like the Russia–Ukraine war and West Asia tensions.
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
- UAS are remotely operated or autonomous aerial platforms (drones)
- Used for surveillance, reconnaissance, combat, logistics, and intelligence gathering
Loitering Munitions
- Also called “suicide drones”
- Can hover (loiter) over a target area and strike when a target is identified
- Combine features of drones and missiles
Key Highlights
- Covers 30 types of UAS and loitering munitions
- Categorised into 5 major roles:
- Surveillance
- Loitering munitions
- Air defence
- Special roles
- Logistics
- Includes details such as:
- Equipment type and variants
- Expected life cycle
- Approximate quantity requirements
Objective of Roadmap
The roadmap aims to:
- Provide long-term technological and operational clarity
- Align military needs with indigenous technological development
- Promote a structured and demand-driven drone ecosystem
Strategic Significance
Bridge Between Operations & Technology
- Acts as a link between operational requirements and R&D efforts
- Ensures coordinated development of drone technologies
Learning from Modern Conflicts
- Incorporates lessons from Russia–Ukraine war and West Asia conflicts
- Highlights the importance of:
- Mass deployment of drones
- Precision targeting capabilities
Boost to Indigenous Defence Ecosystem
- Encourages participation of: MSMEs, Startups, Academia and R&D institutions
- Promotes Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance in defence)
Investment and Innovation Push
- Provides clear, actionable visibility to industry
- Helps channelise investments into priority defence technologies
- Supports long-term capability building