The threat of drones, in conventional as well as non-conventional domains, has compelled nations to reconfigure their offensive and defensive plans. MQ-9B is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a predator drone, manufactured by defence technology company General Atomics

NEW DELHI: The history of war is full of instances where effective use of technology has been the dividing line between the victorious and vanquished. Revolutions in military warfare at various intervals have stimulated major shifts in tactics, strategy and employment of arms and equipment.

The employment of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in conventional conflicts like in Nagorno-Karabakh (Azerbaijan-Armenia), the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the unconventional global war on terror, have tilted the balance in favour of drones.

Where Did It All Begin

According to military historians, the first UAV called ‘Ruston Proctor Aerial Target’, was developed by the UK in 1916-17. Initially used as a surveillance platform, its potential for precision strikes was soon realised. US-based General Atomics first developed the MQ-1 Predator as a reconnaissance platform. By and by, it was modified into a strike drone by attaching a Hellfire missile payload. Ever since the expansion in drone technology has been mind-boggling.

The Predator

India initiated the process to buy 31 armed MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs from General Atomics during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the US. General Atomics will also establish a Comprehensive Global MRO (maintenance, repair and operations) facility in India to support the country's long-term goals of indigenous production. The MQ-9Bs can loiter up to 50,000 ft, remain airborne for over 35 hours and carry four Hellfire missiles besides around 450 kg of other bombs.

The formal process to purchase it began with the Defence Acquisition Council on June 15, clearing the Acceptance of Necessity of 31 MQ-9Bs (16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian) for the tri-services through the Foreign Military Sale route. The US government has suggested a total estimated ticket price of $3,072 million. Though there has been some political noise over its cost to the exchequer, the final price will be negotiated after regulatory clearance from the US government.

Why India Needs MQ-9Bs

Given India’s geopolitical position, active borders with Pakistan, the prevalence of terrorism, and the ongoing stand-offs with China, the country needs a suitable policy framework that includes a robust counter-drone component considering the increasing number of incidents along the international border. The affordability and utility of drones have made them a platform of choice even for non-state actors.

India’s UAV requirements at present are mostly met from imports of the Heron I, the Searcher Mk II and the Harop loitering munition from Israel. They have been deployed to monitor activities along the volatile borders with China and Pakistan.

Indigenisation So Far

India has a fairly wide basket of prototypes to indigenise production of UAVs but none has been integrated into the service so far. The prototypes include Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) Imperial Eagle, Aeronautical Development Establishment Laboratory and CSIR’s National Aerospace Laboratories' Golden Hawk, National Aerospace Laboratory's Slybird and NAL/ADE's Pushpak. HAL’s Combat Air Teaming System, too, is in the development phase. The DRDO is also working on the Abhyas and Lakshya target drones.

Autonomous underwater vehicles for anti-submarine warfare are another category of drones, for which the process of Indian acquisition began in March this year. Besides, the DRDO is working on developing Submarine Launched Unmanned Aerial Systems.

India’s quest for drones started in 1990 with a DRDO project to build the Nishant UAV. Four of them were built but the Indian Army was not satisfied with its performance. Later, a wheeled version of Nishant called ‘Panchi’, was developed but not inducted.

The Indian army is in collaboration with the Drone Federation of India to develop a ‘Him Drone-a-thon’, which is a pan-India connection with all stakeholders, including the industry, academia, software developers and drone product manufacturers. It will be conducted in stages with quantifiable parameters (like altitude, weight, range, endurance etc) being progressively enhanced based on demonstrated capabilities.

The Way Ahead

Drones introduced a dramatic transformation in warfare in the last decade of the 21st century. The threat of drones, in conventional as well as non-conventional domains, has compelled nations to reconfigure their offensive and defensive plans. Drones eliminate the need for pilots in the air or to put ground troops in danger of being killed or kidnapped.

A tactical element to the technology was announced by Russia on March 1, 2018. It said it was developing a nuclear-armed underwater drone. Ever since there have been reports of the US and China joining the race in this sphere.

SkyGuardian

Unmanned drone operated remotely by two pilots
Flight duration: Can fly for up to 40 hours
Over the Horizon SATCOM: Global satellite communications
High Definition EO/IR: Full motion video
Lynx Multi-Mode Radar: provides high-resolution photographic-quality imagery
This high-performance system can capture images of the target in all types of weather like snow, rain, dust and smog
This model is also able to withstand severe environmental conditions
Wingspan: 24 metre
Payload capacity: Nine external hardpoints (8 wings and 1 centreline) can carry a maximum weight of 2155 kg
Internal payloads: 363 kg

Other Important Feature

Detect and Avoid System Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)
Electronic Warfare
Over-the-Horizon Targeting
Long-Range Strategic ISR

Other Operations

Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief
Search and Rescue
Law Enforcement
Border Enforcement

SeaGuardian

Another multi-domain remotely piloted aircraft system is the Sea Guardian
This model is the maritime variant of Sky Guardian
Sonobuoy monitoring system: 4 wingspans stations that can carry sonobuoy dispenser pods
Tracking: Can identify, detect and track subsurface targets

Features

Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW)
Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
HA/DR – Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief
Search and Rescue