New Delhi, June 29: Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Monday said the Indian Army will expand its drone capabilities through continuous induction, upgrades and replenishment of unmanned systems, while announcing the raising of specialised “Baaz Battalions” to strengthen intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
Addressing a gathering, General Dwivedi said the proposed battalions would be developed on the existing Remotely Piloted Aircraft Flights and would comprise specially trained personnel responsible for operating and managing drone systems.
He said the initiative aims to enhance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities through integrated aerial surveillance, sustained battlefield monitoring and improved operational response.
The Army Chief stated that the strength of drones in the Indian Army has increased significantly over the past two years. He said the Army possessed only a few hundred drones around two years ago, whereas the present inventory has crossed 50,000.
According to General Dwivedi, the Army expects the number of drones to increase further in the coming years, with the possibility of the fleet doubling within the next two to three years in line with operational requirements.
He said that as technology advances and costs decline, drones are expected to become as common on the battlefield as communication equipment, radios and night-vision devices.
Responding to a question regarding Pakistan’s drone capabilities, General Dwivedi said the Indian Army continuously monitors developments related to unmanned systems and assesses both the capabilities and intentions of potential adversaries.
He said the Army’s focus remains on its ability to detect, track and neutralise drone threats rather than on the number of drones possessed by any adversary.
General Dwivedi said the Indian Army remains prepared to counter existing and emerging drone threats across the full spectrum of operations.