By Sangeeta Saxena

 Leh, Ladakh. 17 September 2024. As the countdown comes to an end and the stage is set for HIM DRONE-A-THON 2024 to take off in Leh today, the relevance of drones in modern day warfare is not only a force to reckon but also a power to beware. The growing importance of deployment of drones along India-Pakistan and India-China borders, is a fact that cannot be ignored. The war in Ukraine has shown the world that the unmanned can be dominant over enemies manned systems.

In recent years, drones have become an indispensable tool for modern military and security operations worldwide. Their significance is particularly pronounced along sensitive and volatile borders like those between India and Pakistan, as well as India and China. Given the strategic importance, terrain challenges, and evolving security threats in these regions, drones play a critical role in surveillance, intelligence gathering, border patrol, and even combat scenarios.

Both the India-Pakistan and India-China borders are characterized by vast and often inhospitable terrains, from the deserts of Rajasthan and the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir to the high-altitude regions of Ladakh and the rugged landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. Monitoring these areas 24/7 is challenging and resource-intensive. Drones offer a solution by providing continuous, real-time surveillance without putting personnel in harm’s way.

For instance, along the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan, drones are deployed to monitor movement across the border, detect infiltration attempts, and gather vital intelligence on militant activity. The densely forested regions and difficult mountain passes are hard to patrol, making drones a key asset for maintaining security. They can cover large areas quickly and transmit high-resolution images or videos, which allow security forces to respond swiftly to emerging threats.

Similarly, along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China, drones are essential for monitoring troop movements and maintaining situational awareness in remote areas like Ladakh, which saw heightened tensions during the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. The difficult weather conditions and high altitudes in these regions make traditional surveillance methods ineffective, while drones offer a reliable way to maintain constant observation.

Drones are not only used for surveillance; they also play a vital role in combat support. Armed drones, capable of carrying payloads like missiles or bombs, can be deployed to target specific threats without risking human lives. This capability is particularly important in border areas where hostilities may escalate suddenly.

The use of drones in tactical operations is evident along the India-Pakistan border, where they have been used to neutralize militant hideouts and strike key targets during anti-terror operations. For instance, drones have been instrumental in providing precise targeting information during cross-border operations, minimizing collateral damage and increasing the effectiveness of strikes.

In the event of conflict along the India-China border, drones would provide critical support for both offensive and defensive operations, allowing the Indian Armed Forces to carry out surgical strikes, engage enemy forces, and gather real-time battlefield intelligence. The Indian military has already started to invest in drone swarms and combat UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) for future warfare scenarios.

One of the key advantages of drones is their ability to patrol borders more efficiently than human personnel or traditional ground vehicles. The India-Pakistan border, especially in areas like Punjab and Jammu, has seen an increase in the use of drones for monitoring cross-border smuggling activities, including the transportation of drugs, arms, and explosives. Drones can cover these large stretches of borders quickly and detect suspicious activities that ground forces might miss.

In the case of the India-China border, where vast areas remain unmanned due to harsh terrain, drones serve as the eyes in the sky. They can help prevent miscommunications or misunderstandings between the two nuclear-armed neighbors by providing accurate, real-time data about troop movements and territorial incursions.

India has recognized the importance of drones for border security and has been investing heavily in the development and acquisition of advanced UAV technology. Collaborations with countries like Israel and the U.S. have bolstered India’s drone capabilities, and indigenous programs like DRDO’s Rustom drone are expected to further strengthen the country’s arsenal.

However, with the increasing use of drones, there are challenges as well. Both Pakistan and China have been developing their drone technology, raising concerns about drone warfare and surveillance threats to Indian security. To counter this, India must continue to invest in counter-drone technologies such as jamming systems, anti-drone lasers, and advanced radar systems to detect and neutralize hostile drones.

As tensions persist along the India-Pakistan and India-China borders, drones have become a vital tool for safeguarding national security. They provide unmatched surveillance capabilities, support tactical military operations, and offer a more effective means of patrolling challenging terrains. While the use of drones has enhanced border security, it also underscores the need for continued technological advancements to maintain a strategic edge over adversaries. As both Pakistan and China ramp up their drone capabilities, India must stay ahead in this crucial domain to ensure the safety and security of its borders.

India’s northern frontiers have gained immense strategic importance, but they present significant challenges, particularly when it comes to manning High Altitude Areas (HAA). Despite these difficulties, the Indian Army, with its steadfast dedication and courage, continues the formidable task of safeguarding these borders. In a forward-looking move, the Army has declared 2024 as the Year of Technology Absorption, marking a pivotal step toward building a technologically advanced force and supporting the vision of ‘Raksha Atmanirbharta’ (Defence Self-Reliance).

To equip our defence forces with state-of-the-art technology for operations in HAA and advance the national vision of Raksha Atmanirbharta, the Indian Army, in collaboration with FICCI, is organizing two key events—‘HIMTECH 2024’ and ‘HIM DRONE-A-THON 2024’—in Leh, Ladakh. These initiatives will focus on leveraging military technology for High Altitude Areas. Conceptualized by the Headquarters Northern Command, these programmes are set to redefine the annual North Tech Symposium with a fresh directive for 2024.

The events will see participation from senior officials across all Army Commands, the Air Force, ITBP, and other key stakeholders with similar operational needs, along with top leadership from the Government of India.

The HIM DRONE-A-THON 2024 will feature a comprehensive demonstration of aerial, ground, water, and underwater drones specifically designed for High Altitude Areas (HAA). This unique event will assess and showcase the capabilities of a wide range of unmanned systems, with a goal to optimize their operational use for Northern Command’s requirements. It will be held at Wari La in Leh.

The objectives of the event are manifold. Performance Evaluation: Assess and compare the demonstrated capabilities of various drone systems to determine their suitability for operations in HAA. Procurement Recommendations: Identify and recommend equipment for procurement that meets operational requirements. Product Improvement: Suggest enhancements and modifications to participating organizations for better suitability in high-altitude operations. Industry Insights: Evaluate the technological capabilities of the drone industry and provide recommendations for broad Qualitative Requirements (QRs) to guide future indigenization, R&D projects, and procurement cases.

Key Focus Areas of the event are also many. ISR Drones: Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance drones for real-time battlefield monitoring. Loiter Munitions & Kamikaze Drones: Precision-strike drones with extended loitering capability. Logistics Drones: For resupplying troops and delivering essential supplies in remote areas. Swarm Drones: Coordinated drone systems for tactical superiority. FPV Drones: First-Person View drones for immersive control in high-risk environments. Specialized Drones: Drones equipped for specific roles like Electronic Warfare (EW), Search and Rescue (SAR), Communications Intelligence (COMINT), and Electronic Intelligence (ELINT). Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs): Autonomous vehicles for land-based operations. Water Surface & Underwater Drones: Unmanned systems for surveillance and operations in water-based environments.

ADU is at Leh for the next five days to get you both the events live.