The Indian Army is decisively tackling the challenges posed by drone warfare and developing its forces to meet the threats of tomorrow. With the rapid proliferation of drones and loitering munitions, the Army Air Defence (AAD) Corps is modernizing its arsenal to secure key airspace locations.
During a recent interaction, Lt. Gen. Sumer Ivan D’Cunha, the Director General of Army Air Defence, outlined the ambitious plans of the AAD to integrate new technologies. "The future is drone warfare, and we are prepared with a counter-drone strategy," he stated, underscoring the necessity for advanced capabilities to neutralize aerial threats.
Currently, the Indian Army's Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) relies on aging Russian and Swedish anti-aircraft systems. Notably, the L-70 and ZU-23 guns, which have served since the 1990s, are now considered outdated. The Army plans to equip itself with indigenous replacements featuring advanced fragmentation ammunition capable of engaging multiple drones simultaneously. Lt. Gen. D’Cunha remarked, "The fashion of guns is back. The Army retained them for a good reason, and with fragmentation ammunition, they can be highly effective."
The Army has put out Requests for Proposals (RFP) to acquire 220 new anti-aircraft guns, with trials expected to commence shortly. According to Lt. Gen. D’Cunha, the first trials for the new indigenous system are slated for July.
Adding to its capacity, the AAD is incorporating new missile systems. The DRDO-developed Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM), which has successfully undergone trials, is set to play a significant role. "We hope to finalize a contract in four to five months," said Lt. Gen. D’Cunha, indicating production can begin within the next year.
The Akash missile system, currently operational across three regiments, will expand with the addition of two new regiments by 2026. This will be complemented by the roll-out of the Akashteer air defense network, which includes over 200 units expected to be operational by March.
Lastly, the AAD is evaluating the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), which has undergone important flight trials recently. "We have VSHORADS; but with the increasing variety of drones, we need to conduct cost-benefit analyses to determine the best options for countering threats," said Lt. Gen. D’Cunha.
To bolster its detection capabilities, the Army is supplementing its resources with Low-Level Light Weight Radars (LLLR), aimed at enhancing surveillance capabilities even for small UAVs like the DJI Mavic. "We need a surveillance system for which we are currently acquiring LLLR radars under emergency procurement. Increasing radar density is particularly important for mountainous terrains," the Lt. Gen. clarified.
While modernization remains at the forefront, Lt. Gen. D’Cunha emphasized the importance of indigenous innovation. He argued for expedited procurement cycles to facilitate swift inductions: "You can’t take five years to finalize a system and seven years for induction." He insists self-reliance is key and demands strong domestic investment to create sustainable defense manufacturing.
The Army is preparing for large-scale drone warfare scenarios, conjuring challenges presented by rapid technological advancements. “Managing such scenarios is a significant challenge,” warned Lt. Gen. D’Cunha, particularly when envisioning multiple adversarial drones operating within confined operational areas.
With extensive trials and focused innovations like the introduction of automated technologies, artificial intelligence, and precision weapons, the Indian Army is positioning itself to face the future’s unpredictable battlefields. The modernization of the AAD is integral to ensuring national security and enhancing operational readiness necessary to defend against ever-evolving aerial threats.