The Indian Army has taken a significant step in modernising its combat capabilities by establishing six new 'Shaurya Squadrons'.
These specialised drone units have been directly embedded within the Army's armoured regiments to provide critical support in real-time surveillance, electronic warfare, and targeted precision strikes.
By pairing uncrewed aerial vehicles directly with main battle tanks, the military aims to drastically reduce the "sensor-to-shooter" cycle—the crucial window of time between identifying a threat and launching a strike against it.
This strategic shift reflects lessons learned from recent global conflicts, where drones have fundamentally altered traditional ground warfare.
The operational readiness of these new squadrons was recently showcased during 'Exercise Amogh Jwala'.
Held over 13 days at the Babina Field Firing Ranges in Uttar Pradesh—one of the country's premier training grounds for mechanised forces—the drills tested the seamless coordination between air and ground assets.
The Shaurya Squadrons successfully linked their live aerial feeds with moving tank columns, attack helicopters, and swarm drone systems to execute concentrated, coordinated firepower.
Following the exercise, Southern Army Commander Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth praised the formations for deploying innovative tactics that perfectly align with the military’s transition toward technology-driven, multi-domain operations.
In a parallel effort to build a self-reliant defence ecosystem, the military is actively securing domestic supply chains for these advanced technologies.
The 515 Army Base Workshop, a premier technical facility under the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers located in Bengaluru, has formalised strategic partnerships to advance indigenous development.
Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with Nautical Wings Aerospace, Yaanendriya Private Limited, and the National Forensic Sciences University.
These collaborations are specifically targeted at developing next-generation drone propulsion systems, integrating artificial intelligence, and advancing drone forensics to counter potential cyber threats.
By collaborating with private industry and academic institutions, the armed forces are working to eliminate vulnerabilities tied to foreign imports, directly supporting the government's broader vision of establishing India as a leading global hub for drone manufacturing by 2030.
