In a groundbreaking move, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has signed a contract worth Rs 300 crore to procure 200 kamikaze swarm drones, marking its inaugural venture into the world of swarm drone technology. The contract has been awarded to the Noida-based defence start-up, Veda Aeronautics Pvt Ltd.
A Closer Look at the S-UMS
The drones in question are branded as ‘Swarm-Unmanned Munition Systems’ (S-UMS) and are catapult-launched, jet-powered drones. Their development comes at a time when the importance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is becoming increasingly evident in modern warfare, particularly given recent conflict scenarios in Europe.
The primary purpose of the IAF’s S-UMS is to facilitate precision strikes on heavily fortified enemy airbases, camps, and significant installations. These drones can effectively neutralize targets without putting human-operated fighter aircraft at risk. The delivery timeline for these drones is set within the next year.
Historical Significance
This procurement marks a significant milestone for the Indian government. It represents the largest order placed for unmanned technology with a domestic startup. Observers have noted the increasing reliance on drones in contemporary warfare, as evidenced by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In that context, the IAF has studied and derived inspirations from the ‘Sureshastra-Mark 1’, an indigenous version of the Shahed-136, and the Geran-2, both developed by Veda Aeronautics.
Technical Insights
The indigenous drone boasts impressive specs: 3.5 metres in length, a wingspan of three metres, and a fully-loaded weight of about 90 kg. Its capabilities are further enhanced with a warhead payload. With a range surpassing 150 kilometres, the drone is primed for long-distance strikes, harnessing satellite navigation signals to home in on its pre-designated targets.
As the technology evolves, future iterations of these drones may offer longer ranges and feature different launching modes, including from vehicles or ships. Such advancements are particularly relevant for frontline army units seeking immediate and agile protection.
Trials in the Thar Desert
Veda Aeronautics has demonstrated its capabilities before. The company was a contender in the 2018 Meher Baba swarm drone competition, an initiative aimed at identifying domestic companies with the expertise to furnish the IAF with swarm drones. Their product’s selection came after an exhaustive sequence of user trials in the Thar desert.
Contextual Relevance
In the broader South Asian theatre, drones have become instrumental tools for various purposes. India’s neighbours, Pakistan and China, have been actively deploying drones for both overt and covert operations. Recent instances include Pakistani drones being used for smuggling arms and narcotics across border regions, and China’s deployment of reconnaissance and cargo drones along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) following the 2020 Ladakh standoff.
Given these developments, the Indian Army is actively exploring counter-drone technologies, especially after receiving reports about palm-sized drones in proximity to the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh.
In essence, the IAF’s latest contract is not just a technological advancement but a strategic necessity in the evolving geopolitical landscape.
