Indian Army tests precision drones to breach enemy defences in simulated exercise
In the recent past, especially post Operation Sindoor, the Sappers have closely integrated the use of drones in their operations for surveillance, reconnaissance and combat missions
Engineer elements of the Kharga Corps, the Army’s premier strike formation, validated precision targeting capability of armed drones for obstacle breaching and reduction of enemy defences in a drone firing exercise under simulated battlefield conditions.
Sappers, as the Army’s combat engineers are called, are trained and equipped for tasks such as spearheading assaults, laying bridges and tracks, laying and clearing minefields and constructing or demolishing defences or obstacles to facilitate the movement of own troops while denying the same to the enemy.
Several tasks that were earlier carried out manually or with equipment in close proximity to the site of the operation, is now being done through drones that can be operated remotely from a distance.
During offensives, breaching and reduction of enemy defences such as bunds, anti-tank structures and barbed wire fences is critical to enable forces to advance across the frontline. This can now be done by drones equipped with the required ordnance and explosives, not only ensuring faster results but also lowering the risk to lives.
In the recent past, especially post Operation Sindoor, the Sappers have closely integrated the use of drones in their operations for surveillance, reconnaissance and combat missions. Various types of tactical drones have been inducted. Even tasks such as laying mines can now be done by drones.
A few days ago, formations of the Kharga Corps had validated surveillance and targeting capabilities of the newly raised Ashni platoons. Equipped with different types of short-range surveillance systems and pinpoint targeting Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), the Ashni platoons are specialised drone units that form part of infantry battalions to carry out enhanced surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition and tactical precision strikes.
The Armed Forces are laying a great deal of emphasis on drone and counter-drones warfare for offensives operations, surveillance and intelligence gathering, electronic warfare, logistics and medical evacuation.
A vast variety of tactical and strategic drones and UAS with different capabilities have been inducted by the Armed Forces and impetus is also being given for indigenous design and development by the industry. Several systems have also been fabricated in-house by the forces.
