Why the Indian Army is Building Combat Drones in Huge Numbers?

Why the Indian Army is Building Combat Drones in Huge Numbers?
Saheel Singh
By Saheel Singh
Senior Content Writer
22 Jan 2026

Defence Drones

Military Drones

Army Drones

Indigenous Drones

Combat Drones

The Indian Army is preparing for a revolution in how it performs in future combat operations. In a disclosure pointing to a change in both military policy and defence manufacturing, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff, has revealed that the force is no longer just buying drones but is now manufacturing them on a massive scale across all its operational commands.

He confirmed that each military command has been authorized to produce or induct thousands of combat drones moving away from reliance on slow, centralized procurement pipelines. The effort will strengthen self-reliance while ensuring that frontline units receive systems tailored to their specific operational needs.

Each command is either building or fielding about 5,000 drones. These are not standard or regular solutions but bespoke systems designed for unique operational environments.

1. End Of Centralized Buying of Drones

End Of Centralized Buying of Drones - image 1

The main thing for this push is a decentralized innovation model, as senior officers describe it. Instead of waiting for approvals and deliveries from a single procurement authority, individual commands are now authorized to design, build and acquire unmanned systems independently. The result is a distributed drone force that reflects local terrain, threat perceptions and mission profiles. With about 5,000 drones planned per command, the Army is creating a vast, flexible aerial arsenal that spans India’s borders, from the Himalayas to deserts and dense jungles.

2. Drones Can Be Used Much Beyond Surveillance

Drones Can Be Used Much Beyond Surveillance - image 1

The army general made it clear that the emphasis is on military drones. These are not short-range surveillance quadcopters or hobby platforms, but long-range strike drones and loitering munitions intended for contested airspace.

According to recent reports, the Army has already tested indigenous drones capable of striking targets over 100 kilometres away. These systems conduct precision attacks against high-value targets, suppress enemy air defences and maintain incessant surveillance deep inside hostile territory without revealing pilots or ground teams to risk.

3. The Indian Army Embraces Next-Gen Combat Drones

The Indian Army Embraces Next-Gen Combat Drones - image 1

To manage this increase in drone capabilities, the Indian Army is also restructuring its force. Open-source intelligence includes the creation of specialized formations, such as ASHNI Drone Platoons, Bhairav Battalions and Shaktibaan regiments. These are dedicated to operating, upholding and integrating drones directly into combat formations. Nowadays, drones are not just niche support assets; the Indian Army is integrating them into infantry and other active forces, ensuring they can come in handy in combat operations.

4. Drones are Being Made for Every Battlefield

Drones are Being Made for Every Battlefield - image 1

A key advantage of command-level drone production is the competence to engineer drones for specific surroundings.

The commands positioned at the high-altitude regions prioritize drones which are able to fly in thin air and can even fly in the most extreme conditions. The commands positioned in desert regions mostly use long-endurance drones with stabilized optics for vast, open terrain. Eastern commands are developing noiseless, low-visibility drones appropriate for dense forests. This method has enhanced rapid prototyping, allowing ideas to turn into reality much more quickly.

5. Being Ahead in the Number Game

Being Ahead in the Number Game - image 1

By positioning a large number of drones across electronic warfare, communications relay, decoy and armed strike missions, the Army will saturate and overcome the adversary's defences. This mass-drone approach is intended to maintain continuous battlefield awareness, apply pressure across several fronts and deny opponents the capability to adapt quickly.

The Army General's remarks highlight a change in India’s military thinking. With in-house drone production, the Army advances its ability to replace losses quickly, adjust designs as threats evolve and take the enemy by surprise. With drones taking centre stage, India’s future battle tactics will also be defined by factories and innovation hubs, along with the actual infantry and artillery.

6. Summing Up the Scene

 It is quite clear that contemporary warfare is very different from the way that wars were fought in the past. Operation Sindoor demonstrated the full operational capability of drones in combat situations. Now, the Indian Army is not holding back and focusing on strengthening its combat drone capabilities to be on top in future war scenarios.

 If you, too, are fascinated by drones and want to learn drone piloting, then you can always come to us at FlapOne Aviation, one of the best drone training institutes in Delhi-NCR.

Popular Tags:

Defence Drones

Military Drones

Army Drones

Indigenous Drones

Combat Drones

Saheel Singh
Saheel Singh
Senior Content Writer

A dynamic and seasoned content writer with 6 years of experience curating content for different platforms. With the knowledge of all the cogs of content writing and SEO, he has served in various industries. He believes that content is the kingpin, and if penned well, it has a lasting impact on the minds of the readers. Apart from content creation, he is also an ardent poetry lover and performer. He has two publications of his poetry collection, namely Alfaaz and Chestha

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