IAF seeks 800 medium-range swarm drone systems to hit targets over 350 km

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has projected a requirement of 800 medium-range swarm unmanned munition systems (SUMS) to meet its requirements for remotely targeting hostile objectives at ranges over 350km.

Each system would have a swarm of at least 20 drones that can be launched in quick succession, loiter over a designated area beyond 350km for at least 30 minutes and autonomously search, detect and identify static or moving targets.

“Swarm drones are effective as they saturate enemy air defence systems, confuse the enemy radars and provide IAF decision makers the option to deploy in a couple of hours against hostile command and control targets,” a request for proposal issued by the Ministry of Defence on October 25 states.

The IAF wants fixed-wing drones with a hybrid jet-engine and battery power pack that can carry a minimum of 30kg of ordnance in addition to its required payload of sensors, electronic counter-measures, communication equipment and navigation aids.

These should be able to operate effectively from altitudes ranging from sea level to 16,000 feet and capable of launch and recovery from unprepared surfaces and the deck of a ship at temperatures varying from minus 20°C to 50°C.

Drones of various types and capabilities have emerged as the centrepiece of the contemporary battle space for attack, surveillance and logistics. The employment of drones in offensive and defensive operations came to the fore during Operation Sindoor.

In the Indian Armed Forces, drones have been integrated virtually into every arm and service for different applications. Lessons learnt during Operation SIndoor, and also inference drawn from conflicts in other parts of the world are being implemented and fine-tuned.

The Armed Forces require thousands of drones — both for tactical as well as strategic employment. Drones, while being cost-effective, are also force multipliers, and also reduce the risk to human life.

While there are numerous projects underway by DRDO, scientific institutions and the industry to design and manufacture drones, the forces are also laying a lot of focus on the in-house development and fabrication of tactical drones and the training of troops in handling such equipment.