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In a decisive move to modernise its combat capabilities, the Indian Army is establishing dedicated drone warfare units known as "Shaktibaan" regiments.
These specialised formations are designed to equip the force with advanced swarm drone technology and precision strike capabilities, marking a significant shift in India’s military doctrine.
Bridging the Operational Gap
The primary objective of the Shaktibaan regiments is to enhance the Army’s ability to strike targets across a diverse range of distances. According to defence officials, these units will cover an operational spectrum from as close as five kilometres to deep-strike ranges of up to 500 kilometres.This initiative addresses a critical "middle ground" in the Army's firepower. Historically, targets in the 50 to 500-kilometre range were the responsibility of the Air Force or long-range missile commands.
By integrating these capabilities directly into its own structure, the Army aims to bridge the gap between short-range tactical engagements and strategic missile strikes, ensuring faster response times and greater operational flexibility.
Structure and Equipment
The Shaktibaan regiments will be raised under the command of the Regiment of Artillery. This restructuring represents a move away from treating drones merely as support tools, instead institutionalising them as core offensive assets.The regiments will be equipped with a formidable array of unmanned systems, including:
- Swarm Drones: Capable of overwhelming enemy air defence systems through coordinated attacks.
- Loitering Munitions: Often referred to as "kamikaze drones," these can hover over a target area for extended periods before striking with high precision.
- Long-Range Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): Designed for deep surveillance and striking high-value targets well behind enemy lines.
To expedite the equipping of these forces, the Army is reportedly initiating a Fast-Track Procedure (FTP) to procure approximately 850 loitering munitions and associated launchers from domestic manufacturers.
A Tech-Driven Transformation
This doctrinal transformation has been spearheaded by the Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi. His vision focuses on preparing the Indian Army for a future battlefield where technology, rather than sheer troop numbers, dictates the outcome.The effectiveness of drones in recent global conflicts—specifically their ability to provide real-time surveillance and execute precision strikes—has been a driving force behind this decision.
The Shaktibaan initiative is part of a broader modernisation ecosystem. Alongside these regiments, the Army is also raising "Divyastra" batteries (integrated drone units) within artillery divisions and "Ashmi" platoons at the infantry battalion level. Furthermore, a new special operations force, "Bhairav," is being trained specifically for high-risk drone operations.
By rooting these capabilities in indigenous industry, with involvement expected from major Indian defence firms, the Army is also reinforcing the nation's push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The raising of the Shaktibaan regiments signifies a new era for the Indian Army.
By integrating futuristic technologies like swarm drones and loitering munitions into its core artillery framework, the force is ensuring it remains agile, lethal, and ready for the high-intensity, technology-driven wars of the future.
