The concept of unmanned flight dates back to World War I, but drones became a viable military asset not until the late 20th century. The US military’s use of the Predator drone during the 1990s and early 2000s marked a significant turning point. Armed variants of the Predator demonstrated the feasibility of unmanned precision strikes, ushering in a new era of aerial warfare. Since then, countries such as China, Russia, Turkey, and Iran have rapidly developed their combat drone capabilities. Technological advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), sensor miniaturisation, and autonomous navigation have expanded combat drones’ capabilities. Modern drones can operate autonomously, engage in complex swarm tactics, and integrate with network-centric warfare systems.

India’s journey with combat drones has evolved from reliance on imports to an ambitious push for indigenous development. Initially dependent on Israeli UAVs for surveillance and reconnaissance, India has steadily expanded its drone capabilities, integrating armed drones into its military strategy. The emergence of global drone warfare, exemplified by conflicts has accelerated India’s efforts to develop and deploy its combat UAVs.

DRONE WARFARE

Combat drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have rapidly transformed modern military operations. They offer a range of significant advantages that enhance strategic effectiveness and operational efficiency. These advantages are critical for established military powers and smaller nations looking to improve their defence capabilities.

• Cost-Effectiveness: One of the most prominent advantages of combat drones is their cost-effectiveness. In contrast to manned aircraft, combat drones are more affordable to produce, operate, and maintain.
• Reduced Risk to Human Life: The ability to operate drones remotely means that military personnel are not physically present in the combat environment, which significantly reduces the risk to human life.
• Persistent Surveillance and Endurance: Combat drones can remain airborne for extended periods, often hours or even days. Unlike manned aircraft, this endurance allows drones to conduct continuous operations over extended periods without returning to the base for fuel or rest.
• Precision Strike Capabilities: Modern combat drones are equipped with advanced targeting systems, enabling them to conduct precise strikes with high accuracy.
• Operational Flexibility: Another significant advantage of combat drones is their operational flexibility. Drones are highly versatile and can be deployed in various roles. This adaptability makes drones valuable assets in numerous military operations, enhancing their utility in diverse combat scenarios.

FUTURE TRENDS IN DRONE WARFARE

AI-Driven Autonomy. AI-driven autonomy in drone warfare will revolutionise decision-making, enabling UAVs to analyse data and execute missions independently. This reduces human intervention, enhances speed, and improves operational efficiency, allowing drones to make real-time tactical decisions and adapt to changing battlefield dynamics without relying on constant human oversight.

Swarm Tactics. Swarm tactics involve deploying many drones that can communicate and collaborate autonomously to overwhelm targets. This approach maximises impact, confuses enemies, and complicates defence strategies. Swarms can be used for offensive operations, like saturation attacks, and defensive roles, such as countering incoming threats in coordinated formations.

Hybrid Manned-Unmanned Operations. Hybrid manned-unmanned operations combine human decision-making with autonomous drone capabilities, enhancing flexibility and situational awareness. Human pilots can control UAVs while receiving support from AI systems that automate data processing and mission planning. This synergy allows for optimal control and strategic execution while reducing the cognitive burden on operators.

Miniaturisation and Stealth. Miniaturisation and stealth technologies are enhancing drones’ ability to operate undetected. Smaller, quieter UAVs with reduced radar signatures can infiltrate enemy defences, gather intelligence, or carry out strikes without being easily intercepted. These advances improve tactical flexibility and extend the operational range of drones in contested environments.

INDIA’S TRYST WITH DRONES: EVOLUTION AND EXPANSION

India’s journey with drones has evolved over the past few decades, driven by security imperatives and technological advancements. Initially dependent on imports, particularly from Israel, India procured drones such as the Heron and Searcher for surveillance and reconnaissance missions along the sensitive borders with Pakistan and China. The 1999 Kargil conflict was a pivotal moment that highlighted the critical role of drones in modern warfare, pushing India to invest in enhancing its UAV capabilities. Over the years, the Indian armed forces have increasingly relied on drones for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations, with a growing focus on indigenous development to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has spearheaded several indigenous drone programmes, including the Rustom, Nishant, and Archer UAVs, to bolster India’s aerial capabilities. Concurrently, private sector participation has expanded, with startups and defence firms innovating in drone swarms, autonomous systems, and logistics applications. Under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative, the government has introduced policy reforms to encourage local production and innovation, positioning India as an emerging player in the global drone ecosystem.

India’s journey with combat drones has evolved from reliance on imports to an ambitious push for indigenous development

Despite progress, India still faces technological challenges in developing advanced stealth drones and autonomous systems comparable to international standards. While India has made substantial strides in drone development, it faces several critical challenges that must be addressed to achieve self-sufficiency and operational superiority. One of the primary concerns is technological dependence on foreign suppliers for key components such as avionics, sensors, and propulsion systems. Efforts to bridge this gap through Indigenous programmes such as the Ghatak stealth UCAV and the Archer-armed UAV are ongoing, but delays and budgetary constraints have hindered progress. The growing threat posed by adversarial drones, mainly from Pakistan and China, has also necessitated the development of robust counter-drone technologies, including electronic warfare systems and directed energy weapons.

The 2020 Galwan Valley standoff with China underscored the urgent need for persistent aerial surveillance in high-altitude regions. This prompted the Indian military to explore AIdriven autonomy and swarm tactics for enhanced situational awareness. Looking ahead, India’s drone strategy focuses on expanding its indigenous manufacturing base, fostering publicprivate partnerships, and investing in next-generation technologies such as autonomous drone swarms and high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) UAVs. With sustained government support, increased defence budgets, and collaboration with international partners, India could become a significant player in the evolving drone warfare landscape.

MQ-9 SEA/SKY GUARDIAN: LATEST WEAPON IN INDIAN ARSENAL

Predator Series of Drones. The Predator series of drones, developed by General Atomics, revolutionised modern warfare with their long-endurance, remotely piloted capabilities. Beginning with the RQ-1/MQ-1 Predator, used primarily for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), the series evolved into the more advanced MQ-9 Reaper, featuring greater payload capacity and strike capabilities. Armed with Hellfire missiles and precision-guided bombs, these drones have played crucial roles in US military operations, particularly in counter-terrorism. Widely exported, Predator drones are now integral to modern air forces, enhancing strategic and tactical operations. Sea/Sky Guardians are variants of the MQ-9 drone.

MQ-9 SeaGuardian Usage by Indian Navy. In 2020, the Indian Navy began operating MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones under a lease agreement with the United States, marking a significant step toward modernising its maritime surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. These drones are a variant of the MQ-9 Reaper, adapted for long-endurance maritime operations with enhanced sensors, radar, and payloads specifically designed for naval use.

Maritime Capability Enhancement. The MQ-9B’s capabilities give the Indian Navy an edge in tracking enemy vessels operating near India’s borders and the broader Indian Ocean. With a range of over 5,000 km and the ability to stay airborne for up to 35 hours, these drones can cover vast areas, from sensitive chokepoints like the Malacca Strait to critical regions of the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. Their versatility in realtime intelligence gathering and precision strike capabilities allows the Navy to act quickly and decisively to defend Indian interests, including counter-piracy operations and protecting vital sea lanes. The SeaGuardian drones provide the Indian Navy with persistent surveillance, allowing real-time monitoring of maritime traffic, enemy vessels, and submarine activity, significantly enhancing maritime domain awareness.

Indian MQ-9 Sea/Sky Guardian Drone Acquisition Programme. In October 2024, India’s Ministry of Defence finalised a contract with the US government to procure 31 MQ-9B drones from General Atomics, valued at approximately $4 billion. The deal comprises 15 SeaGuardian drones designated for the Indian Navy and 16 Sky Guardian drones allocated between the Indian Army and Air Force. The procurement was executed under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, facilitating a government-togovernment transaction. The contract includes a performance-based logistics agreement with General Atomics Global India Pvt Ltd for depot-level maintenance, repair, and overhaul within India, ensuring sustained operational readiness.

Capability Enhancement. India’s acquisition of the MQ-9 drones, made by General Atomics, marks a significant step in enhancing the country’s defence capabilities. These drones will provide India with advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, significantly boosting its ability to monitor vast, remote, and high-altitude border regions. The drones are equipped with cutting-edge sensors capable of carrying many munitions, making them highly versatile for strategic and tactical operations. As a force multiplier, these drones mark a significant leap in India’s aerial warfare capabilities.

CONCLUSION

The rise of combat drones represents a paradigm shift in modern warfare, challenging the supremacy of traditional air power. While manned aircraft will continue to play a crucial role in future conflicts, the increasing integration of drones necessitates a revaluation of military doctrines, investment priorities, and force structures. The future of air warfare lies in a balanced approach that leverages the complementary strengths of both manned and unmanned systems. The induction of MQ-9B Sea/Sky Guardian will be a game-changer for India’s defence forces, significantly enhancing maritime domain awareness, surveillance, and precision strike capabilities. It will bolster India’s preparedness against emerging threats, provide a crucial edge in monitoring adversarial activities, and strengthen deterrence. As India modernises its military, the MQ-9B’s integration signals a shift towards greater reliance on cutting-edge drone warfare technology.