NEW-DELHI: Drones and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are emerging as the most critical elements in military operations. The Indian Army is enhancing its air defence capabilities to counter these evolving threats, with the Army Air Defence (AD) Corps playing a crucial role under the leadership of Lt General Sumer Ivan D’Cunha, Director General of Army Air Defence.
The increasing use of drones in global conflicts, from the Saudi Aramco attacks in 2019 to their extensive deployment in the Russia-Ukraine war, has reshaped the nature of aerial threats. The Jammu air base drone attack in 2021 and the use of drones by non-state actors for smuggling along the Line of Control (LoC) have further highlighted the urgency for India to bolster its air defence infrastructure.
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Recognising these threats, the Army AD Corps, which became independent from the Artillery in 1994 is implementing a multi-layered defence strategy.
Point defence systems such as guns, Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORADS), and Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM) provide close-range protection, while area defence systems like AKASH and Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) address standoff threats.
Modernisation Efforts in Counter-Drone Warfare
In response to the increasing drone threat, the Indian Army has inducted the Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System (IDD&IS), developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The system features electro-optical/infrared sensors, passive detectors, jammers, and laser-based directed energy weapons (DEW) for effective detection and neutralisation of enemy drones.
Further advancements include High Power Microwave (HPM) systems, indigenous fragmentation ammunition, and the successor to the L-70 gun, equipped with smart ammunition capabilities. Trials for the new gun are scheduled for July 2025. Lt Gen D’Cunha has emphasized the challenges posed by drone swarms in constrained airspaces, where up to 4,000 friendly and hostile drones may operate within a 400 sq km area.
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Strategic Lessons from Global Conflicts
The Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war have demonstrated the devastating impact of drone warfare. Ukraine’s reliance on Ground-Based Air Defence Weapon Systems (GBADWS) and integrated surveillance networks has proven effective against Russia’s superior air power. The lessons from these conflicts are shaping India’s air defence strategies, with an emphasis on AI-enabled threat detection, real-time data analysis, and rapid response mechanisms.
The Army AD Corps is working on integrating AI-powered control and reporting systems to enhance situational awareness and response times. “Decentralised execution with centralised control will be key to countering drone threats effectively,” a senior Army officer stated.
The Army’s air defence modernisation aligns with the AatmaNirbhar Bharat initiative, encouraging indigenous solutions from Indian startups and defence firms. However, challenges such as scaling up production, ensuring component integrity, and streamlining maintenance protocols remain critical hurdles.
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Key initiatives include:
- Low-Level Light Weight (LLLR) radars for detecting small drones with low radar cross-sections.
- AI-driven identification systems integrated with the Akashteer Command and Control System for real-time threat analysis.
- Development of hybrid counter-drone systems featuring both jamming and hard-kill solutions like lasers and HPM weapons.
- Smart ammunition and rail gun technologies for enhanced lethality and reduced logistical burdens.
- Expanded VSHORADS and QRSAM deployment to provide layered air defence coverage.
Operational Protocols and Inter-Service Coordination
Given the vast airspace India must defend, inter-service coordination between the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF) is critical. While the IAF is responsible for overall air defence, Army AD plays a crucial role in protecting tactical battle areas and forward positions. The concept of “centralised control, distributed network operation, and decentralised execution” is being adopted to enable effective drone and counter-drone operations.
The growing dominance of drones and counter-drone technologies defines the trajectory of modern warfare. As the Indian Army designates this period as the Decade of Transformation, a sustained focus on technological advancements, indigenous innovation, and strategic foresight will ensure that India’s skies remain secure.
