Context
Under its ‘Operation Spider’s Web’, Ukraine launched first-person view (FPV) drone attacks on five airbases across Russia. In this article, we have discussed in detail the use of drones instead of other weapons in wars. Also, what is drone warfare?
First-Person View Drones
(a) FPV or first-person view drones are relatively small in size and have inbuilt cameras on the front, which send live video to the operator.
(b) This ensures accurate flying and manoeuvrability by the controller from a remote location, just like an aircraft.
(c) These drones used Russian mobile-telephone networks to relay their footage back to Ukraine.
Recent Use of Drones
(i) At the start of this century, US Military performed drone strikes in countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Syria, Somalia, Yemen, and Libya, using air-to-surface missiles targeting ground targets.
(ii) Since then, countries like Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Iran, as well as non-state actors like Houthis, have adopted drone warfare.
(iii) Even, India too took advantage of such warfare in OPERATION SINDOOR against Pakistan for targeting its air defence system.
What is Drone Warfare?
Drone warfare simply is a mode of warfare utilising unmanned or remotely controlled devices. Such drones/devices are capable of staying in the air, on the surface, at sea level, or beneath water. The drones, perhaps operated by manual control, but a few also utilise autopilot systems on their missions.
(i) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System: It is a set of tools that consists of the drone and its ground-based operational system.
(a) The US, UK, Israel, China, India, Russia, and Turkey have produced combat drones, or UCAVs (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles).
(b) They carry targeted attacks, often in complicated locations which are inaccessible by traditional forces.
(ii) The next stage of drone application is artificial intelligence. AI drones can navigate automatically, search targets, and even operate in “swarm” groups.
Evolution of UAVs
(i) In the 1960s, British Commonwealth artillery regiments initiated the development of drones for target identification and extending their range.
(ii) In the last two decades, US has made the trend of using drones globally for its counterterrorism action in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and Yemen, with minimal error attacks reducing personnel risks.
(iii) During Russia Russia-Ukraine war, both leveraged small drones on a large scale for real-time intelligence and precise attacks.
(iv) By 2023, small drones will be updated and will be able to carry multiple payloads – from infrared detectors to electronic warfare equipment.
Significance of Use of Drones in Warfare
(i) Targeted Strikes: Drones permit militaries to carry out highly precise attacks, reducing mutual damage.
(ii) Lower Risk to Personnel: As they are unmanned, they eradicate the risk to pilots and minimise the requirement for boots on the ground.
(iii) Cost-Effectiveness: Drones require less spending for manufacturing, operating, and maintenance in contrast to manned aircraft.
(iv) Real-Time Surveillance and Intelligence: They provide regular, real-time imagery and intelligence gathering, necessary for both offensive and defensive operations.
(v) Strategic Advantage in Asymmetric Warfare: Drones are especially useful against non-state actors and terrorist groups, who may not be reachable by conventional military means.
Psychological Warfare: An Emerging Tactic
Hybrid Warfare: The Changing Face of Conflict
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Steps Taken (In the Context of India)
(i) Drone Rules 2021 to regulate the internal movement of drones while incentivising the indigenous drone manufacturing industry.
(ii) The Indian Army Aviation Corps is now responsible for offensives and drone countermeasures.
(iii) Hyderabad-based Grene Robotics is developing indigenous anti-drone systems like ‘Indrajaal’
(iv) Drone development by the DRDO, including Nishant, Rustom, MALE, et al and acquisition of foreign-made variants like the Heron.
(v) Drone Import Policy 2022: Bans foreign drone imports, but allows drone component imports.
(vi) PLI Scheme: Incentivises domestic drone and component manufacturing.
How India Can Strengthen Its Capabilities?
(i) Counter-Drone Measures: Make robust systems like Indrajaal to detect and neutralise threats, and invest in jamming and hacking countermeasures.
(a) Ameliorate drone battery efficiency and stability in extreme Himalayan conditions to nullify trans- border threats.
(b) Spread eagle training by defence forces to take down adversary drones.
(ii) Indigenous Drone Development: Foster domestic manufacturing, strengthen public-private partnerships, and support drone startups & MSMEs with funding and incentives.
(a) Promote the development of drone nets to entangle drone rotors mid-flight, disabling propulsion and bringing them down
(iii) R&D Investment: Invest in AI, robotics, pilot training, and research on autonomous drones, swarm technology, and high-altitude UAVs.
Conclusion
The rising use of UAVs in military and surveillance operations poses both strategic advantages as well as security threats. Amidst India witnessing increasing drone incursions from adversaries, so, making robust counter-drone systems, fostering indigenous development, and investing in AI-driven drone technology are significantly important for ensuring national security and maintaining military competitiveness.