NEW DELHI: The Indian defence establishment is taking decisive steps to ensure military drones sourced from domestic private companies are free from Chinese components. This move comes as the Army prepares to evaluate drone capabilities in the challenging high-altitude terrain of Ladakh later this month.
An "appropriate methodology," complete with rigorous technical evaluation parameters, is being formulated to prevent any Chinese components or electronics from making their way into these critical unmanned aerial vehicles.
Major General C S Mann, additional director general of the Army Design Bureau, emphasized the urgency of this initiative, highlighting the ongoing discussions to strengthen the framework against Chinese components. This action follows the recent suspension of a defence ministry order for 200 medium-altitude logistics drones, pending verification of the manufacturer's claims of not using Chinese components.
The Ministry of Defence's department of defence production has also taken proactive measures, urging industry bodies like Ficci, CII, and Assocham to caution their member companies against procuring Chinese components for drones and related equipment.
Against the backdrop of the ongoing military standoff with China in eastern Ladakh, the Indian armed forces have ramped up their procurement of a wide variety of drones, ranging from nano and micro drones to kamikaze drones, logistics drones, armed swarms, and even fighter-sized MALE and HALE UAVs.
To assess the performance of domestically developed drones in the harsh high-altitude environment, the Army is set to host the 'Him-Drone-A-Thon' at Wari La, near Leh, on September 17-18.
Major General Mann underscored the unique challenges posed by high-altitude operations, stating, "A rarefied atmosphere results in reduced lift and degraded engine performance, which are further accentuated by extreme cold temperatures and high wind speeds. These conditions are unique for the Indian Army and demand systems that can adequately perform in these conditions."
This concerted effort to eliminate Chinese components and promote indigenous drone technology reflects India's resolve to strengthen its defence capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, particularly in sensitive areas like drone technology.
