Army signs MoU with Drone Federation of India; launches Drone-a-thon
Seeks to be self-dependent in drone technology that is dominated by China globally
Drones are the ace the world leaders are looking for
The Indian Army (Army Design Bureau) has signed an MoU with the Drone Federation of India (DFI) to promote research, development, testing and manufacturing of drones, counter-drones and associated technologies that could help the Indian Army modernise its operations.
The use of drones is rising rapidly in the defence forces and minimise the impact on soldiers/targets from both sides. The Ministry of Defence said, the MoU will also give a push to the government’s Atmanirbharta plan in defence manufacturing.
According to the MoU, the army and the DFI will create a roadmap for drone, counter-drone and allied technologies in the Indian Army; and promote research, development, testing and indigenous manufacturing of drones and associated technologies.
Further, the Indian Army in collaboration with the DFI launched “Him Drone-a-thon” on 8 August 2022. It aims to catalyse and provide focused opportunities to the Indian drone ecosystem to develop path-breaking drone capabilities for meeting requirements of frontline troops, said the Ministry of Defence.
The categories in focus will be logistics/load-carrying drones for high altitude areas; autonomous surveillance/search & rescue drones; and micro/nano drones for fighting in built-up areas.
The DFI is a non-government, not-for-profit, industry-led body based in New Delhi.
Currently, China is the global market leader in the drone industry with an estimated 70-75% of its drone technology related to defence. The drone industry in China is heavily backed (and controlled) by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
The Indian Army’s theme for 2022 is “In stride with the future”. It is focusing on re-structuring and inducting modern weapon systems. Perhaps for the first time, the Indian Army is exploring and inducting emerging technologies (Artificial Intelligence or AI, Cyber Warfare, Robotics and Aerospace), which have the potential for military application and a disruptive impact on modern-day warfare with a push to indigenous solutions (read Lt Gen Manoj C Pande to be 29th Army Chief – MDDTimes).
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