Indian efforts aimed at developing armed UAVs have not met with much success because our UAVs have very limited payloads and our sensors and weapons aren't adequately miniaturised, writes RAKESH KRISHNAN SIMHA
What was once merely a flying camera in the air is now poised to be an integral element of India’s surveillance and strike forces. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, since getting its first Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) from Israel in 1998, India has topped the list of drone-importing nations, accounting for 22.5 per cent of the world’s imports between 1985 and 2014.
Most of India’s drones operate in the civilian sphere, but in recent years there has been a huge increase in demand for military UAVs. This is primarily due to four reasons:
• Key sectors of India’s extensive land and sea borders need to be monitored round the clock.
• China is conducting research in cutting-edge swarm UAV research while also exporting military drones to Pakistan.
• In the event of an all-out war, Indian Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) – or combat drones – may lead the first wave of attacks against critical targets inside enemy territory. The seriousness with which India is pursuing this option can be measured from the Indian Air Force’s announcement in 2015 that it was in the process of setting up a dedicated cadre for flying UAVs.
Denne historien er fra July 2017-utgaven av Geopolitics.
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Denne historien er fra July 2017-utgaven av Geopolitics.
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NEW MANTRA FOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION
AMIT COWSHISH explains why the Ministry of Defence (MOD), which is one of the biggest spenders, needs to watch out for the latest mediation rules.
NEW WAVE TERRORISM IN JAMMU & KASHMIR
KARAN KHARB argues that Pakistan's continued use of proxy war tactics against India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, poses a severe threat to national security. He advocates for a shift from a reactive to a proactive approach in counter-terrorism efforts, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of military strategies and a coordinated national policy to address both external and internal security challenges effectively.
INDIAN NAVY'S PROJECT-751 - GERMAN TKMS LEADS SPANISH NAVANTIA AFTER FIELD TRIALS FOR AIP-SUBMARINE DEAL
German submarine-builder ThyssenKrupp (TKMS) and India's Mazagaon Dockyard Limited (MDL) have emerged as leaders in the Indian Navy's Project-751, which aims to build six submarines with Fuel Cell Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) and Lithium-ion batteries. Following successful field trials, TKMS and MDL have gained an edge over competitors by demonstrating their proven AIP technology and advanced submarine design tailored to the Indian Navy's needs.
VIKSIT BHARAT FROM A DREAM TO REALITY
The article explores India's ascent as a global influencer, emphasising its strategic advancements in foreign policy, defence, and economic growth. It also highlights India's challenges in achieving sustainable development and strengthening internal security. Adopting a forward-looking approach, the article envisions India's rise as a major economic power and a key player in global stability, as outlined by LT. GEN. A.B. SHIVANE (RETD.).
WILL MODI APPLY THE LESSON LEARNT FROM KOREA IN UKRAINE?
Speculation around Prime Minister Narendra Modi's possible visit to Ukraine raises questions about India's role in mediating peace between Russia and Ukraine. Drawing from its experience during the Korean War, India may seek to leverage its strategic neutrality to foster dialogue in a conflict where China and Turkey have also shown interest, opines PRAKASH NANDA.
UGVS: THE NEXT DIMENSION OF WARFARE
With the rest of the world developing unmanned ground vehicles at a breakneck speed, it is time for India to join the bandwagon at the earliest.
SUPERSONIC DESTROYER
The BrahMos programme has filled a critical gap in the Indian armed forces' missile inventory and continues to attract strong export interest, writes ATUL CHANDRA.
POLICE MODERNISATION: AN URGENT NEED OF THE HOUR
India is facing many internal security threats, and it is time to reshape the strategic dynamics by modernising the police forces.
FUTURE FIGHTER
FIA 24 provided important insights into the Global Combat Air Programme, which will redefine the future of air combat, reports MIKE RAJKUMAR.
FILLING THE GAP
A new Medium Transport Aircraft is essential for the IAF, but it will have to compete with other pressing programmes fighting for limited budgetary resources, analyses ATUL CHANDRA.
