India’s Army chief witnesses demonstration of indigenously developed UAVs, munitions

India’s Army Chief Witnesses Demonstration of Indigenously Developed UAVs and Munitions

Babina, India— Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi recently oversaw a demonstration of indigenous unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and loitering munitions at the Babina Field Firing Ranges in Uttar Pradesh. The event showcased India’s growing capability in developing advanced, homegrown drone warfare technology.

General Dwivedi, who assumed official command as the 30th Chief of the Indian Army, observed demonstrations involving several cutting-edge, domestically developed drones and weaponized unmanned platforms. The presentation included both surveillance and offensive systems, with a particular emphasis on loitering munitions—drones that can remain airborne for extended periods before striking their targets.

Highlighting Indigenous Innovation

The demonstration at Babina Field Firing Ranges was geared toward not only highlighting India’s technological progress in the defense sector but also displaying operational readiness for modern threats. According to reports (The Economic Times, India Today, The Assam Tribune), the presented systems were developed by Indian defense companies, supporting the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ or self-reliant India initiative.

These drones and munitions are designed to enhance the Army’s capabilities in surveillance, target acquisition, precision strikes, and electronic warfare. Military officials in attendance emphasized the critical importance of these technologies for future conflict scenarios, especially given the changing nature of warfare globally.

Demonstration Details

During the live demonstration, General Dwivedi witnessed the operational effectiveness of both unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and loitering munitions. The systems’ performance in simulated battlefield environments was observed, underlining their potential for deployment in varied operational contexts, from surveillance and intelligence gathering to offensive missions.

Loitering munitions, sometimes referred to as “kamikaze drones,” were particularly a focus, as these systems can hover over potential targets and strike with precision, reducing collateral damage and risk to military personnel.

Boost to Counter-Drone Capabilities

The demonstration also included India’s advances in counter-drone technologies, a crucial area as drone threats from adversaries continue to rise along the country’s borders. India has faced challenges in recent years with unauthorized drone activities, particularly in conflict-sensitive zones.

By showcasing both offensive and defensive drone solutions, the showcase at Babina highlighted a comprehensive approach to drone warfare—a focus on both deploying indigenous systems and neutralizing potential threats posed by enemy drones.

Commitment to Self Reliance

The event aligns with the broader push toward indigenous defense manufacturing under the Make in India policy. Indian defense industries have increasingly been called upon to deliver advanced solutions tailored to the requirements of the armed forces. Government and military officials have reiterated their commitment to reducing dependency on foreign technology, instead boosting homegrown research, development, and production capacities.

Looking Ahead

General Upendra Dwivedi’s presence at the Babina demonstration underscored the Indian Army’s commitment to modernization and operational preparedness through technological innovation. As the Army continues to adopt advanced drone and counter-drone capabilities, demonstrations such as these reinforce the strategic importance of fostering indigenous solutions to safeguard national security.

Sources: NewsX, India Today, The Economic Times, The Assam Tribune, ETV Bharat.