List of Drones Used by Indian Armed Forces all details by Shield Defence Academy
Drones have become the eyes and ears of modern armies. In today’s warfare, real-time intelligence, surgical strikes, and minimal troop deployment are the name of the game—and drones fit right into this strategy. India, being one of the most rapidly growing military powers, has significantly boosted its drone arsenal. Let’s explore the complete List of Drones Used by Indian Armed Forces, crafted with insights from Shield Defence Academy.
💡 Overview of Indian Armed Forces and Their Drone Capability
Indian Army
The Army primarily uses drones for tactical surveillance, enemy tracking, border monitoring, and battlefield assessments.
Indian Navy
The Navy deploys drones for maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare support, and naval intelligence.
Indian Air Force
The IAF uses a mix of surveillance and combat drones for long-range reconnaissance and high-altitude monitoring.
🔍 Categories under List of Drones Used by Indian Armed Forces
Surveillance and Reconnaissance Drones
These drones are deployed for monitoring, spying, and intelligence gathering over enemy territory.
Combat and Armed Drones
These are equipped with missiles and bombs and are used in surgical and precision strikes.
Logistic and Cargo Drones
Used in remote and high-altitude areas for delivering supplies.
Swarm Drones
Futuristic tech involving dozens of mini-drones flying in formation to overwhelm enemy radars or systems.
📋 List of Drones Used by Indian Armed Forces
1. Heron UAV
Specs: MALE drone (Medium Altitude Long Endurance), made by Israel Aerospace Industries.
Use: Long-range surveillance, deployed in Ladakh during standoffs.
2. Harpy Drone
Specs: Anti-radiation “suicide drone”.
Use: Targets enemy radar installations.
3. Rustom UAV Series
Rustom-I & Rustom-II (Tapas): Indigenous drones by DRDO.
Use: Tactical operations and long endurance missions.
Highlight: Major step towards Indian self-reliance in drone tech.
4. Searcher II UAV
Specs: Israeli UAV used for tactical roles.
Use: Surveillance along borders.
5. Nishant UAV
Specs: Catapult-launched drone developed by DRDO.
Use: Short-range battlefield surveillance.
6. NETRA Drone
Co-developed by DRDO and IdeaForge.
Use: Urban surveillance, crowd monitoring, and disaster relief.
7. DRDO Daksh
Specs: Remote-controlled robot.
Use: Bomb disposal and handling hazardous materials.
8. Predator MQ-9B Sea Guardian
Specs: HALE (High Altitude Long Endurance), leased from the U.S.
Use: Naval surveillance and maritime patrol.
9. SWITCH UAV
Specs: VTOL capabilities, made by IdeaForge.
Use: Operable in high-altitude, rugged environments.
10. Wing Loong II
Specs: Chinese origin combat drone.
Observation: Spotted near Indian territory—possible study/use by Indian forces.
11. UAV Panchi
Specs: Wheeled take-off version of Nishant UAV.
Use: Better mobility and field usage.
🛠️ Indigenous Development of Drones in India
India is actively developing its own drone fleet with efforts led by:
DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation)
Private Startups like IdeaForge, NewSpace Research, and TATA Advanced Systems
🤝 International Collaborations and Procurements
Israel: Long-standing partner (Heron, Searcher, Harpy)
USA: MQ-9B Predator drones
Russia: Tech exchange for surveillance drone systems
🔮 Future Roadmap for Drones in Indian Defence
The future is buzzing with possibilities:
AI-Enabled Drones for autonomous missions
Drone Swarms that act like a coordinated army
Stealth and Kamikaze Drones for precision attacks
🎯 Benefits of Using Drones in Defence
Minimal Human Risk: Drones save lives by replacing soldiers in high-risk zones.
Real-Time Intelligence: Helps commanders make informed decisions.
Cost-Effective: Saves billions in operational logistics.
⚠️ Challenges in Drone Deployment
Signal Jamming: Enemy forces can disrupt drone controls.
Weather Sensitivity: Many drones struggle in harsh climates.
Rapid Obsolescence: Tech evolves quickly; upgrades are crucial.
🎓 Training for Drone Warfare – Role of Shield Defence Academy
Shield Defence Academy, known for defence excellence, now integrates drone technology training in its programs.
Why Choose Shield Defence Academy?
Tactical drone handling
UAV operational training
Military scenario simulations
If you’re dreaming of joining the armed forces and want to stay ahead with drone tech knowledge, Shield Defence Academy is your launchpad.
📝 Conclusion
The List of Drones Used by Indian Armed Forces shows India’s determination to build a tech-powered, modern military. With indigenous development, strategic imports, and academy-level training, India is fast becoming a drone superpower. Shield Defence Academy plays a vital role by preparing future officers and soldiers for this new era of warfare. If you’re serious about defence services, drone knowledge isn’t optional anymore—it’s essential.
❓ FAQs
Q1: Which is the most advanced drone in use by Indian forces?
A: The MQ-9B Sea Guardian is among the most advanced surveillance drones currently in use.
Q2: Are there any fully indigenous combat drones in India?
A: DRDO’s Rustom-II (Tapas) and Ghatak UCAV are under development as indigenous combat drones.
Q3: Can civilians get drone training in India?
A: Yes, Shield Defence Academy and other institutions offer drone training for aspiring defence candidates and professionals.
Q4: Which drones are used at the India-China border?
A: Heron, Searcher II, and SWITCH UAVs are widely used for surveillance in Ladakh and Arunachal regions.
Q5: Is drone warfare the future of military operations?
A: Absolutely. Drones are already central to modern defence strategies worldwide and will dominate future combat scenarios.
