By Aritra Banerjee
Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande has unveiled plans to deploy new technologies at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, including drones for intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance, loitering munitions, and counter-drone technologies. In a statement made to journalists at Aero India 2023, Gen. Pande confirmed that the army is focusing on micro, mini, and tactical-level drones with longer ranges and is also looking to enhance its counter-anti-drone capabilities with drone spoofers and handheld drone jammers.
The Army Chief highlighted the importance of soft-kill and hard-kill options for countering and swarm drones. The army is also exploring loitering munitions and artificial intelligence-based systems to better interpret images, detect intrusion, and improve information synthesis. The army is looking to acquire niche technologies via various routes, including iDEX and Make 2 projects, and enhance its overall combat aviation profile. The army plans to induct around 95 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) and 110 Light Utility Helicopters (LUH), and the indigenisation of air defence guns is a priority. LCHs will be deployed in high-altitude areas with good manoeuvrability in the mountains. After successful trials, the army also plans to integrate Helina missiles into the LCH Prachand.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has granted approval to procure 40 Helina launchers and missiles. The army has received three out of five initial LCHs and is getting six limited-series versions of the LUH. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is working on the capability enhancement of the platform, including the autopilot feature based on requirements projected by the army.
Gen. Pande further highlighted the army is expected to receive all six American Apache attack helicopters by next year, and trials are underway for the electronic warfare (EW) systems along the LAC. Finally, he emphasised the need for constant vigilance against new tactics deployed by China and the importance of remaining ahead of the learning curve.
