Indian Army Enhances Armored Units with Advanced Drone Technology

Modernizing Armored Vehicles

The Indian Army is equipping its heavily armored vehicles with state-of-the-art surveillance systems. Following the deployment of its "Ashni" infantry drone platoon, the army has activated six Shaurya squadrons to integrate drone warfare directly into its tank regiments. This initiative, inspired by lessons learned from Operation Sindoor, aims to transform traditional tank formations into multi-domain hunter units. These new units played a crucial role in the 13-day exercise 'Amogh Jwala', held this month at the Babina Field Firing Range near Jhansi. Conducted under the Surya Chakra Corps and led by the White Tiger Division, the exercise demonstrated how drones now dictate the pace of the army's fleet of over 5,000 tanks.

Technology Behind T-90 Tanks

These squadrons are not solely for reconnaissance. They serve as a tactical "Swiss Army knife" integrated with T-90 Bhishma, T-72 Ajay, and Arjun MK1A tanks. Their missions include:

Precision Strikes

Precision Strikes: Utilizing suicide drones and loitering munitions to engage targets before they are visible to tanks.

Combat Support

Combat Support: Drones are now involved in laying mines, breaching obstacles, and even delivering medical supplies.

Electronic Warfare

Electronic Warfare: Jamming enemy signals while providing real-time surveillance for tank commanders.

A New Approach to Combat

The Shaurya squadrons enable tank crews to observe from higher ground, accurately identifying enemy positions and weapon systems. This capability for "deep precision strikes" was central to the Amogh Jwala exercise, which coordinated armored units with attack helicopters and fighter jets.

According to military sources, five army commands have already deployed these squadrons. With 67 armored regiments currently in operation, the army plans to rapidly increase the number of Shaurya units to ensure that each tank formation has a dedicated "digital wingman."