India's drone procurement strategy aligns with PM Modi's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' vision: Report
Athens, June 18
India's drone programme extends beyond defence procurement, reflecting a strategic effort aimed at modernising the armed forces, strengthening domestic industry, reducing foreign dependence, and preparing for contemporary 21st-century warfare.
The drone strategy is not shaped solely by military concerns but represents a major industrial and economic project. In contrast to India's traditional defence acquisitions, which depend heavily on foreign suppliers, the new drone initiative is expected to prioritise domestic production, according to a report in Athens-based 'Directus'.
"The move aligns closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) vision, which seeks to strengthen indigenous manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign technology. Government officials increasingly view drone development as one of the sectors where India can rapidly establish globally competitive capabilities. The goal is not only to strengthen national security but also to create a domestic drone industry capable of competing in international markets," the report detailed.
It highlighted that India's proposed drone procurement programme envisions a comprehensive network of unmanned capabilities across diverse operational domains.
The report noted that the acquisition is expected to include "reconnaissance and surveillance drones; logistics and supply drones; loitering munitions; armed strike platforms and tactical battlefield support systems".
Collectively, these systems would provide continuous surveillance, faster battlefield awareness, and rapid-response strike capabilities.
According to the report, India's indigenous drone expansion is set to complement another major defence acquisition: the procurement of 31 MQ-9B Predator drones from the United States - with two initiatives designed to serve different but complementary operational roles.
"The American-made MQ-9B platforms will provide long-range surveillance, intelligence gathering, and strategic strike capabilities. Meanwhile, domestically produced drones will operate closer to the battlefield, providing tactical support, reconnaissance, and rapid-response capabilities," the Directus report mentioned.
"Together, these systems could create a layered surveillance and combat network stretching from the Himalayan frontier to the vast waters of the Indian Ocean. Such a network would significantly enhance India's ability to monitor threats and respond quickly across multiple theatres of operation," it added.
The report emphasised that India's drone strategy is based on the understanding that future warfare will not be won solely by tanks, aircraft, or warships but will be driven by autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, and rapid decision-making.
"As global powers race to master these technologies, India is positioning itself to become both a major military drone operator and a significant producer of unmanned systems," it noted.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Great vision on paper, but I hope the execution matches. We've seen many indigenous defence projects get delayed or stuck in red tape. Let's ensure the DRDO and private sector get clear timelines and proper funding. Also, training our soldiers to use these drones effectively is crucial—tech is only as good as the people operating it.
Interesting strategy, but I wonder how they'll compete with established drone makers like China and Israel. The MQ-9B procurement is smart for strategic depth, but the indigenous part needs serious investment in R&D and AI. Hope the private sector gets more than just sub-contracts.
I read about this. The focus on loitering munitions and tactical battlefield support is key—those are game-changers in modern warfare. But the real test will be whether these drones can operate effectively in our diverse terrains, from the Himalayas to the deserts. Also, cyber security of these systems is a major concern.
Finally, some solid planning for the 21st century! The idea of complementing MQ-9Bs with indigenous tactical drones makes so much sense—like having both a sniper and a rapid-fire weapon. But I hope the procurement doesn't get bogged down in politics. We need to move fast while the global drone race is still evolving.
Atmanirbhar in defence is the way to go. But let's not forget that drones are just one part of the puzzle—we also need to invest in counter-drone tech and AI-driven command systems. And please, let's avoid the 'import then reverse-engineer' approach that failed in the past. Build from scratch with global partnerships for critical subsystems.