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China’s AI-Enabled Drones Pose Strategic Challenge for India

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Drones have become a defining element in modern warfare, as seen in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Middle East. Several nations are ramping up their drone acquisitions, with China making a particularly ambitious move. Chinese military sources recently disclosed an order for approximately one million drones, set for delivery by 2026—a move seen as a step toward battlefield dominance with AI-enabled drone technology.

PLA’s Kamikaze Drones: A New Threat Along the LAC

The potential deployment of AI-enabled lightweight kamikaze drones by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) raises significant security concerns for India. These drones, capable of flying for up to eight hours, are designed to evade India’s existing air defence systems and execute precision strikes on key command centres and assets.

Defence experts highlight that China’s rapid advancements in AI-powered drone warfare could also benefit Pakistan, given the strong Beijing-Islamabad military cooperation. This development also poses a strategic risk along India’s eastern borders, including Bangladesh.

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China’s Push for Drone Warfare

China’s massive drone acquisition signals its ambition to reshape future battlefields. The PLA has been actively training troops in simulated combat scenarios involving drone swarms, reinforcing its strategic focus on this technology.

Swarm attacks—where hundreds or even thousands of drones operate in coordination—can overwhelm even advanced air defence systems. Such attacks pose a grave challenge to India’s ability to safeguard military installations and troop movements.

India’s Countermeasures and Defence Preparedness

Recognizing the growing threat, the Indian Defence Ministry is actively exploring advanced countermeasures. India has already deployed modern drones along the LAC and introduced laser-based Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction Systems (IDD&IS) to neutralize potential threats.

Electronic warfare (EW) systems are also crucial for detecting and countering drone incursions. However, as AI-driven drones evolve, traditional radio frequency jamming may become less effective. Recent advancements in drone technology include:

  • Fibre-optic drones for pinpoint strikes, immune to jamming.
  • AI-guided drones that bypass electronic countermeasures.

The Cost-Effective Lethality of FPV Drones

First-Person View (FPV) drones have emerged as a game-changer in modern warfare, offering cost-effective precision strikes against stationary and moving targets. While GPS-guided artillery shells cost nearly Rs 83,00,000 per round, FPV drones armed with munitions cost only Rs 1,24,500, making them a more accessible and efficient option for adversaries.

Equipped with anti-tank munitions, these drones can target high-value assets such as heavy artillery, missile silos, and armoured vehicles. They can also function as low-cost Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs). A swarm of 500 to 1,000 FPV drones can overwhelm an air defence system, making interception extremely difficult.

The Future of Drone Warfare

As the battlefield shifts toward AI-driven systems and drone swarms, India must accelerate investments in indigenous defence technologies to enhance air security. Strengthening electronic warfare capabilities, AI-powered defence systems, and advanced drone countermeasures will be key to maintaining strategic advantage.

The evolving nature of warfare demands proactive preparedness, ensuring India remains ahead in the race to counter AI-enabled drone threats in the region.

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