Indian Army Discusses Future Air Defence and Counter-Drone Strategy
New Delhi & Pune, 28 February 2025
The Indian Army, in collaboration with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), organised a seminar in Pune on “Air Defence in Modern Conflicts: Lessons and Future Capabilities.” The event brought together top military leaders, defence experts, and policymakers to discuss how evolving threats—especially drones and advanced aerial weapons—are reshaping warfare and how India can strengthen its air defence systems.
Why Is This Important?
Modern warfare has changed dramatically with the increasing use of drones, precision missiles, and hypersonic weapons. These technologies pose new challenges, making it essential for the Indian Army to enhance its air defence and counter-drone capabilities.
Key Discussions at the Seminar
1. The Rising Threat of Drones & Advanced Aerial Attacks
• Drones are being used extensively for surveillance and precision strikes in modern conflicts.
• New threats like long-range missiles and hypersonic weapons require advanced defence systems.
• Securing airspace has become more complex due to the mass use of drones on the battlefield.
2. How to Counter Drone Attacks?
• Multi-Layered Defence: Using different weapon systems to detect and destroy threats at various ranges.
• Electronic Warfare (EW): Disrupting enemy drones using jamming and signal interference technology.
• Better Command & Control: Improving airspace monitoring to respond faster and more effectively.
3. Lessons from the Russia-Ukraine War
• Drones are now a key part of both attack and defence strategies.
• Ukraine’s strong air defence systems (S-300, Patriot, NASAMS, IRIS-T, SAMP-T) have helped counter Russian air strikes.
• Russia’s advanced electronic warfare (EW) technology has successfully disrupted enemy drones.
• New drone technologies, like fiber-controlled FPV drones, are making electronic warfare less effective.
Key Takeaways for India
• Stronger Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) Systems are crucial for protecting against drone and missile threats.
• Counter-Drone (C-UAS) capabilities must be integrated across all military operations.
• Electronic warfare (EW) and jamming technologies will play a decisive role in air defence.
• Drone swarms, working alongside infantry, artillery, and aviation, will become a major part of future warfare.
• Indigenous defence innovation is essential for India’s long-term air defence capabilities.
India’s Push for Indigenous Defence Solutions
Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, India is developing advanced air defence and counter-drone systems. The Army Design Bureau (ADB) is working closely with startups and defence companies to develop next-generation anti-drone technologies, hybrid C-UAS systems, and electromagnetic warfare solutions.
Looking Ahead
The seminar provided a crucial platform for military leaders, defence experts, and industry stakeholders to strategize for future conflicts. By learning from global conflicts and investing in indigenous defence technology, India is strengthening its air defence forces to meet future challenges head-on.
