India’s military drone capabilities have gained renewed focus following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and Operation Sindoor in 2023. These events brought into light the shift from drones being used only for surveillance to becoming key assets for precision strikes. India is now accelerating modernisation efforts to meet complex security challenges across diverse terrains and contested borders.
Recent Developments in India’s Drone Acquisitions
In 2024, India finalised the purchase of 31 MQ-9B Reaper drones from the United States. These include SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian variants designed for maritime surveillance and strategic operations. This procurement enhances India’s maritime domain awareness and strengthens Indo-US defence ties. However, these systems address only a fraction of India’s varied needs, especially in high-altitude border areas with Pakistan and China.
Current Drone Capabilities and Gaps
India operates Israeli drones such as the Harop loitering munition and Heron surveillance UAVs. These provide useful strike and reconnaissance functions but lag behind the latest global technologies. Many Indian drones remain legacy models or indigenous platforms still under development. The country requires a mix of large fixed-wing UAVs for long-range missions and smaller, cost-effective systems for precision strikes in difficult terrains.
Challenges in Global Drone Supply and Technology
India’s reliance on the US for drone purchases is evolving. The US drone industry faces criticism for lagging behind Chinese and Russian technology. US export restrictions under the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) have limited its global market share to about 8% by 2023. Although reforms are underway, China and Türkiye dominate the export market with advanced and affordable drones. India thus looks to Israel and Europe for imports and joint ventures but avoids critical technology ties with China and Türkiye due to geopolitical tensions.
Strategic Importance of Drones in the Indo-Pacific
Countries like Vietnam, Taiwan, the Philippines, South Korea, and Japan face threats from China’s maritime assertiveness and ‘grey-zone’ tactics. Maritime domain awareness is essential to protect sovereignty and economic interests such as fisheries and energy resources. While Israel focuses on West Asia and the US struggles to maintain dominance, Türkiye emerges as a key drone supplier in the region. India’s strained relations with Türkiye make it vital to counter Turkish influence through drone diplomacy.
India’s Opportunity in the Indo-Pacific Drone Market
India’s geography and security needs align with those of many Indo-Pacific nations. Developing indigenous UAVs tailored to maritime surveillance and high-altitude border patrol would serve both national and regional interests. Filling the gap left by the US in drone exports can expand India’s strategic influence and trade ties. Overcoming bureaucratic hurdles and leveraging partnerships with Israel and like-minded countries can strengthen India’s domestic drone ecosystem and encourage trust in a polarising region.
Technology Sharing and Regional Cooperation
Beyond domestic production, India can enhance regional security by engaging in technology-sharing with allies. Joint ventures and collaborative development of UAVs would build mutual capabilities and strategic trust. Such cooperation supports a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific and counters the growing influence of China and Türkiye in drone diplomacy.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of unmanned aerial vehicles on modern warfare and their strategic importance in India’s defence policy.
- Explain the challenges posed by international technology control regimes such as the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) on defence exports and indigenous production.
- What are the implications of China’s maritime ‘grey-zone’ tactics in the Indo-Pacific? How can regional cooperation help in countering these challenges?
- With suitable examples, comment on the role of defence diplomacy in enhancing India’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region and its significance for national security.
