Drones to standoff weapons: Armed forces take fast route to shopping, Pg3

Key Highlights:

• Indian military has undertaken large-scale emergency procurement of modern weapons and technology following Operation Sindoor.
• Procurements include drones, loitering munitions, counter-unmanned aerial systems, and standoff weapons.
• Rs 30,000-crore emergency procurement contracts focused on acquiring drones, counter-drone systems, radars, and electronic warfare equipment.

Detailed Insights:

• Operation Sindoor, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the West Asia war have reshaped Indian defense procurement strategies.
• The Indian Air Force utilized Scalp cruise missiles, Hammer smart weapon systems, BrahMos missiles, and guided bomb kits during strikes.
• The Army employed artillery guns and Excalibur precision-guided artillery rounds.
• India is acquiring the R-37 long-range air-to-air missile from Russia and plans to induct the homegrown Astra BVRAAM.
• The Army is raising specialized units like Ashni platoons (drone platoons), Bhairav battalions (commando battalions), and Rudra brigades (integrated combat formations).
• Shaktibaan regiments will focus on unmanned systems, and Divyastra battery will be a drone and loitering-munition battery.
• India is considering raising a conventional missile force, shifting from its earlier strategic-only focus.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Loitering Munitions: Airborne weapon systems that loiter around the target area and attack upon command.
• Standoff Weapons: Weapons that allow launching attacks from a distance, minimizing risk to the attacking platform.
• BVRAAM (Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile): Missiles capable of engaging targets beyond the visual range of the pilot.