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In a major step to modernize its armoured corps, the Indian Army plans to launch a landmark initiative to pair every Main Battle Tank (MBT) with a dedicated drone for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR).
The program, set to begin in 2028, will see over 3,000 tanks, including the T-90 Bhishma and the indigenous Arjun fleets, integrated with these unmanned aerial systems, fundamentally changing how India conducts ground warfare.
This ambitious plan marks a significant strategic shift in India's armoured warfare doctrine. By equipping each tank with its own aerial surveillance capability, the Army aims to create synergistic "hunter-killer" teams.
The drone will function as the "hunter," scouting ahead to provide a bird's-eye view of the battlefield, while the tank crew uses this real-time intelligence to act as the "killer," engaging targets with greater precision and safety.
This enhancement is designed to boost the tactical mobility, combat effectiveness, and survivability of India's armoured formations against sophisticated adversaries.
The drones are envisioned to perform a variety of crucial roles.
Their primary function will be to stream high-definition live video, equipped with both electro-optical and thermal imaging sensors, directly to the tank commander's display.
This will enable crews to detect camouflaged enemy positions, identify ambushes, and track enemy movements far beyond their natural line of sight.
In some configurations, these drones may carry micro-munitions, giving tanks the ability to engage infantry, anti-tank teams, or even other armoured vehicles from a standoff distance.
A key driver for this initiative is the need to counter the growing threat of advanced anti-tank weapons, a lesson highlighted in recent international conflicts.
The aerial perspective provided by the drones will allow crews to detect hidden anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) teams and loitering munitions before they can strike.
This proactive defence capability is considered essential for operating in contested environments and countering the modern tank fleets of neighbouring countries, such as Pakistan's Al-Khalid and China's Type 99 series.
The Indian Army has already initiated trials with compact, Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) drones that can be launched and recovered directly from the tank itself.
A key focus of these trials is to ensure the systems are rugged, easy for tank crews to operate with minimal training, and resilient to electronic warfare tactics like jamming.
The drones are expected to incorporate advanced features such as AI-driven automatic target recognition and the ability to navigate in GPS-denied environments, ensuring operational reliability on the complex, modern battlefield.
