In a recent column for The Print, Lieutenant General HS Panag (Retd.), former chief of Northern and Central Commands, commended the Ministry of Defence's decision to prioritize domestic UAV production.
This move, part of the "Make in India" initiative, mandates that all categories of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) be produced domestically, barring exceptions for highly strategic platforms like the MQ-9B Sea/Sky Guardian.
General Panag expressed confidence in India's burgeoning drone industry, highlighting Adani Defence Systems' successful manufacturing of the Hermes 900 (Drishti-10) multi-payload UAV for both the Army and Navy, with exports even reaching Israel. This achievement underscores India's growing expertise in UAV technology.
The armed forces' clear communication of their UAV requirements has stimulated private sector participation, with many companies seeking foreign partnerships to enhance their capabilities. Notably, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is actively transferring technology to the private sector, and the MoD's "Innovation for Defence Excellence" (iDeX) initiative is proving fruitful.
General Panag emphasized the importance of sustained government and private sector investment in research and development (R&D) to achieve world-class drone production. He suggested utilizing existing mechanisms like iDeX, the "Make" process, and the Army Design Bureau to strategically channel R&D funding.
Drawing from the experience in Eastern Ladakh, where Heron drones with the capability to observe deep into Chinese territory were deployed but failed to detect the build-up due to a lack of specific reconnaissance missions, General Panag stressed the importance of strategic mission planning.
Looking ahead, General Panag discussed the potential of swarm drone tactics for deception, overwhelming enemy defenses, and triggering wasteful countermeasures. He pointed out that even basic drones can be programmed to mimic the signatures of more sophisticated missiles, offering significant strategic advantages.
This policy shift towards domestic UAV production reflects India's commitment to self-reliance in defense technology and its ambition to become a global leader in drone innovation.
