Amid LAC standoff, 5 types of drones being tested in Ladakh
The Army is looking at multiple types of drones to tackle threats along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. A new Aviation Brigade, that was established with its headquarters at Leh during 2021, is in dire need of drones that can be launched for ‘tactical needs’ — meaning for immediate needs within a small specific area.
The long-ranges drone that are launched are for patrolling the LAC from the sky are for purpose of tracking movements. The Army and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) are organising a ‘Him-Drone’ event (September 17-18) in Ladakh. Domestic companies will be participating to showcase their existing technologies at the event. It is being held at an altitude of 15,200 feet at Wari-La, a mountain pass located southeast of Leh.
The Army will be looking at five types of drones used for surveillance, carrying loitering munitions, kamikaze (self-destruct), logistics and for specific electronic warfare that would include communication and electronic intelligence.
The Army will be testing the ability of drones to take off and perform at high altitude. The rarified atmosphere there results in reduced lift for the drone and reduces engine performance. High-wind speed and ice formation on drones leads to batteries getting drained out faster.
These conditions are unique for the Army and demands systems that can adequately perform there. The ‘Him-Drone’ event would define the operational challenges for Eastern Ladakh. It will be followed by two-day ‘Him-Tech’ event on September 20 and 21 — this will focus on harnessing military technologies for high-attitude areas. The year 2024 has been declared the ‘year of technology absorption’.
The Northern Command of the Army along with the Army Design Bureau has a technical evaluation committee that ensures no Chinese part is there in any critical component. An appropriate methodology is being devised to weed out any components of Chinese origin being used in new age technologies like drones.
The threat from Chinese parts arose after the Ministry of Defence found some domestic companies supplied drones to armed forces and that had Chinese components. Having Chinese parts could mean that data can be transferred illegally to a device.
