Load-carrying drones that can transport weight of up to 50 kg in high altitude areas were shown to top officers of the Indian Army

NEW DELHI: Drones that can be used to carry loads of up to 50 kg above 10,000 feet and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) which double up as missiles to shoot down other drones are in Indian Army's list of equipment urgently required to combat new threats against China and Pakistan.

Top Army sources said these equipment, which were needed for better surveillance and anti-drone capabilities, were put on display during the ongoing Army Commanders Conference where the top brass discussed the need to induct these in the Army to assist ground troops.

Load-carrying drones that can transport weight of up to 50 kg in high altitude areas were shown to top officers of the Indian Army.

The use of these kind of drones can be path breaking as poor roads and bad weather often result in slow movement. If these drones can supply items aerially to forward posts that are at extreme heights, it can meet the urgent requirements of the troops rapidly without delay," an Army source said.

Loitering munition drones, that have the capability to be used as missiles while they move as UAVs carrying out surveillance, were displayed along with other items, sources said.

Anti-drone solutions to shoot down UAVs used by the enemy from the ground were also shown and discussed.

These solutions can immediately detect a drone being used by the enemy and shoot it down quickly, the source added.

Use of drones as part of perimeter fencing mechanism was also discussed.

The use of drones particularly in Punjab had recently alarmed the security agencies. Punjab Police busted a module linked to Pakistan-backed Khalistan Zindabad Force which was involved in dropping of arms and ammunition from drones. Four people were arrested in the case.

The Army Design Bureau, which is part of the perspective planning branch for futuristic requirements, tied up with the industry and including indigenous and foreign vendors to display the equipment.

Also, electro-optical devices meant for observation and surveillance, and software-defined radios to prevent the enemy from intercepting the frequency were also on display.