Study estimates count of UAVs required for the three Services

Subject : Science and Tech

Section: Defence

Context:

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, has ordered two studies on significant military platforms used by the three Services in India.
These platforms are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and armoured helicopters.
These studies aim to optimise the number of platforms, resources, and avoid duplication.

What is Drone or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle?

An unmanned aerial vehicle, commonly known as a drone, is an aircraft without any human pilot, crew or passengers on board.
UAVs are a component of an unmanned aircraft system, which include additionally a ground-based controller and a system of communications with the UAV.
Drones have been divided into five categories based on their weight (existing rules)-Nano : Less than or equal to 250 grams, Micro : From 250 grams to 2kg, Small : From 2 kg to 25kg, Medium : From 25kg to 150kg, Large : Greater than 150kg.

Drone regulation in India

These rules are built on the premise of trust, self-certification, and non-intrusive monitoring. The policy is designed to usher in an era of super-normal growth while balancing safety and security considerations.
Drone (Amendment) Rules 2022
The requirement of a drone pilot licence has been abolished.
No remote pilot certificate will be required for operating a drone up to two-kilogram for non-commercial purposes.
The Remote Pilot Certificate issued by a Directorate General of Civil Aviation approved drone school through the single window Digital Sky platform will be sufficient for operating drones in the country.
An individual owning any unmanned aircraft system manufactured in India or imported into India on or before 30th of November, 2021 must make an application to register and obtain a unique identification number and state the required details in form D-2 and the stipulated fee under Rule 46.
To promote Made in India drones, the import of foreign drones has been prohibited in the country.

Studies on UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles)

The study on UAVs has been completed, recommending the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) UAVs and 155 medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAVs.
The Indian Services currently operate Israeli Heron MALE UAVs, and there’s a pending upgrade to weaponize and incorporate satellite communication on these UAVs.
Officials believe this upgrade may get cleared following the study’s recommendations.

Procurement of MQ-9B UAVs

In June, the Defence Ministry approved the procurement of 31 MQ-9B UAVs from General Atomics through the U.S. foreign military sales route.
The Letter of Request (LoR) was issued to the U.S. government, and further details and terms of the procurement will be negotiated and finalised in the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA).

Apache Helicopters

The Army Aviation Corps inducted the first batch of light combat helicopters (LCH) and is awaiting government approval for a bigger deal to procure 156 LCH.
The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the procurement of 39 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters from the U.S.
The Air Force has already inducted 22 AH-64E Apaches, and further Apache procurements will go to the Army.
The Army signed a deal for six more Apaches in February 2020, with deliveries expected to start in February 2024.
The Army is discussing the procurement of 11 more Apaches with Boeing, and progress will be based on the outcome of the study on armoured helicopters.