Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Transforming counter-insurgency/ counter-terrorism operations

By Vishal Saxena, VP Business Development, ideaForge

In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern warfare, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have emerged as pivotal assets in enhancing India’s counter-insurgency (CI) and counter-terrorism (CT) operations. These advanced drones revolutionise military strategies by providing unparalleled capabilities in surveillance, intelligence gathering, and precision targeting,  while minimising risks to personnel. As India confronts evolving threats and strengthens its defence forces, the strategic integration of UAVs, coupled with a focus on indigenous drone technology, underscores a comprehensive approach to safeguarding national security.

Transforming operational tactics

UAVs have fundamentally transformed CI and CT operations, bringing about significant changes in how the Armed Forces conduct critical missions. In insurgency-prone regions, road opening operations are crucial for ensuring safe passage and mitigating threats such as ambushes and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Traditionally, these missions expose soldiers to significant danger through manual patrols and visual inspections. UAVs now mitigate these risks by conducting aerial reconnaissance, swiftly scanning large areas to identify potential threats like disturbed soil or concealed explosives. Equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging, drones enable rapid and secure road clearance, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

Search and rescue missions, often conducted in challenging terrains like dense forests, mountainous regions, and urban environments, have also greatly benefited from UAV technology. Drones provide comprehensive aerial views and advanced human detection sensors, allowing for  swift location of missing or injured personnel. Their ability to operate seamlessly day and night, utilising infrared and thermal imaging, ensures timely rescues and empowers ground teams with real-time data for informed decision-making, significantly improving mission success rates.

Enhancing surveillance and targeting capabilities

Traditional patrolling in insurgency-affected areas involved arduous hours navigating hazardous terrains, often leading to fatigue and reduced effectiveness. UAVs redefine these operations by offering continuous and efficient aerial surveillance. This persistent “eye in the sky” not only deters insurgent activities but also delivers real-time intelligence on enemy movements and potential threats. By covering vast areas that would otherwise require extensive manpower, drones optimise resource allocation and enhance operational efficiency. Their silent operation is ideal for covert surveillance, providing strategic advantages without alerting adversaries.

One of the most significant advancements UAVs bring to CI/CT operations is their sophisticated target tracking and human detection capabilities. Previously, identifying and tracking insurgents was labour-intensive and prone to errors. Modern drones, equipped with AI-powered analytics, offer unmatched accuracy in identifying, tracking, and following targets. Whether during day or night operations, UAVs deliver consistent and reliable data, enabling precise and confident actions. This capability is crucial for identifying high-value targets and monitoring suspicious activities, while ensuring that security forces remain proactive and effective.

Strategic imperative and overcoming challenges in indigenous drone technology

Maximising the potential of UAVs in India’s defence strategy hinges on the development of indigenous drone technology. The Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) recent directive to exclude Chinese components from military drones marks a significant shift in India’s defence manufacturing strategy. This move addresses critical national security concerns by eliminating vulnerabilities associated with foreign-made parts, particularly those from countries sharing land borders with India. The directive reflects a broader vision of achieving technological sovereignty and long-term strategic resilience.

India’s diverse and challenging operational environments—from the mountainous terrains of Jammu & Kashmir to the dense forests of the Northeast—demand specialised drone technologies tailored to specific defence needs. Indigenously produced drones, designed and manufactured within the country, not only mitigate the risks linked to foreign components but also allow for customisation to meet India’s unique operational demands. This aligns seamlessly with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, which aims to bolster the domestic defence sector, reduce dependency on foreign suppliers, and build a robust, self-reliant defence manufacturing ecosystem.

However, transitioning to indigenous drone technology presents challenges. Shifting from Chinese components to domestic alternatives has led to increased production costs and slowed progress in key projects, such as the development of the Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone platform, Tapas. Despite these hurdles, India remains committed to indigenising its defence capabilities. The allocation of 1.6 trillion rupees ($19.77 billion) for military modernisation in the 2023-24 fiscal year, with 75% reserved for domestic industry, underscores the government’s dedication to equipping defence forces with the latest technologies while maintaining control over critical technologies and components.

Expanding deployment for enhanced security

As India prepares for key events and continues to address ongoing threats, the deployment of UAVs will play a critical role in maintaining security and stability. Increasing the density and frequency of drone operations in sensitive areas is essential for effectively countering insurgent activities. This strategic enhancement will bolster security during critical periods, such as elections, and demonstrate India’s commitment to restoring peace and prosperity in regions affected by terrorism.

The proven efficacy of UAVs in CI/CT operations highlights the necessity for their widespread adoption across all levels of the Armed Forces. By ensuring that every operation is conducted with the highest level of safety and precision, UAVs will play a crucial role in safeguarding national interests and protecting the lives of soldiers. Investing in homegrown drone technologies and expanding their deployment not only enhances operational capabilities but also reinforces India’s strategic autonomy and defence resilience.

Securing the future with UAVs

The strategic deployment and development of UAVs are critical to ensuring India’s defence forces remain equipped to handle modern threats. As India continues to navigate the complexities of modern warfare, the focus on enhancing UAV capabilities and fostering a self-reliant defence sector will be instrumental in maintaining national security and strategic autonomy. By embracing advanced drone technologies and committing to indigenous manufacturing, India is not only protecting its sovereignty but also paving the way for a more secure and resilient future.