UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
Re: UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
I don't know what is exactly happening but ADE has floated tenders to build nacelles and housing structures for Austro engines on Rustom 2. May be as back up plan in case the desi powerplant fails to deliver performance. If yes, then very prudent.
Re: UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
https://twitter.com/RSS_40/status/1032695913180000256
KURYER @RSS_40 2h2 hours ago Heavy strike UAV (Sukhoi co) code name “Okhotnik” (HUNTER) to perform some test of taxing runway & “jumping” over strip in this Sep. Maiden flight is expected in 2019. UAV: M=20 t, V~1000 km/h (??) h/t @AviaRu v @tass_agency
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Are the fans on the wings for hover?
Re: UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
I dont know if it is even real
Re: UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
India’s 1st Drone Policy Announced
India’s 1st drone policy has been announced by Ministry of Civil Aviation, which makes flying Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) or drones in layman’s terms legal.
The Places Where You Cannot Fly A Drone In IndiaDrone operators would need a license to fly a drone, and it will cost Rs 25,000.
A UIN or Unique Identification number is required for every drone which is flying, and it will cost Rs 1000 to get one
Pilots or operators of drones will need to clear tests, related with the rules and regulations of flying a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS).
The pilot needs to be atleast class 10th pass, and 18+ years of age.
The process to apply for license would be automated, and completely digital.
During day-time, drones can be flown till 400 feet, and should be visible by the drone operator.
The rule about the visibility of drones can be relaxed later on.
Drones have been divided into 5 categories, based on the weight. Drones from 250 grams to 2 kgs wont be requiring any license or permission to fly. But drones beyond that weight will need a permit, for every flight.
Drones flying in controlled airspace will require a flight plan and Air Defence Clearance (ADC) /Flight Information Centre (FIC) number for every flight.
Within 5 kms from the perimeter of airports in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad
Within 3 kms from the perimeter of any defense, civil and private airport (other than the list mentioned above)
Above the Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS) or PANS-OPS surfaces, whichever is lower of an operational aerodrome.
Within any permanent or temporary Prohibited, Restricted and Danger Areas including TRA, and TSA, as notified in AIP
Within 25 kms from International Border, which includes Line of Control (LoC), Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL)
Beyond 500 meters (coastal) into sea from a coast line
Within 3 kms from the perimeter of any military installations, facilities
Within 5 kms from the radius of Vijay Chowk in Delhi
Within 2 kms from the radius of strategic locations, as specified by Ministry of Home Affairs
Within 3 kms from the radius of State Secretariat Complex in State Capitals
Drones won’t be allowed from a mobile platform like moving vehicle, ship or aircraft
Over eco-sensitive zones around National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries notified by Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change without prior permission.
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Indian army finally gets 'eyes in the sky'; Indo-Israeli firm bags order.
With Cyient Solutions and Systems (CSS), announcing on Tuesday its first-ever sale of SpyLite mini unmanned aerial systems (mini-UAS) to the military, the Indian Army has begun acquiring the urgently needed surveillance capability of being able to look down at a combat zone from the sky.
In border flashpoints like Doklam, or in regular encounters with armed militants in Kashmir, the army has functioned without the essential ability to quickly put “eyes in the sky” to look beyond the nearest hill, or treeline, or clump of buildings. Instead, soldiers have had to wait for a helicopter to reach the site, or even longer for fighter reconnaissance missions or satellite photos.
Meanwhile, other major armies have inducted man-portable, mini-UAS (also called unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs) years ago. India inducted the Israeli Searcher and Heron UAVs in the early 2000s, but those are larger UAVs that operate from an airfield, not with forward infantry detachments. The navy is exploring the purchase of large, long-endurance Sea Guardian UAVs from the US. The Defence R&D Organisation (DRDO) is developing the indigenous Rustom UAV. But frontline infantry troops still do not have dedicated mini-UAVs that they can launch and use.
Late last year, the army floated a tender for 600 mini-UAVs for an estimated Rs 1,000 crore. With that tender having made scant headway, the Northern Command – which conducts counter-militant and counter-infiltration operations in Kashmir, in addition to guarding hundreds of kilometres of border with Pakistan and China – has gone in for SpyLite mini-UAVs under the “special financial powers” of the army commander.
CSS is a Hyderabad-based joint venture between Indian firm, Cyient, and the well-reputed Israeli defence firm, BlueBird Aero Systems. It was incorporated in April.
Neither the military, nor CSS is divulging how many SpyLite UASs the army has bought, or the price paid. NJ Joseph, who heads CSS, is willing to reveal only that this was a competitive procurement, and that the SpyLite was the only UAS that met all the army’s requirements and passed the demanding trials at altitudes above 5,000 metres.
“Taking off from very high altitude in extreme weather conditions, the SpyLite flew over the high mountainous landscape, performing all its missions successfully,” stated a CSS press release on Tuesday.
The SpyLite mini-UAS, which weighs just 9.5 kilogrammes, and its rail launcher is carried between two infantry soldiers. When an operation starts, and “look down” is needed, the local commander can launch a UAS within minutes. Its electric motor carries it to 3,000 feet above the surrounding terrain, from where a video camera and infra-red sensors beam back high-definition images in real time. The launching unit remotely controls the flying vehicle, as well as the sensors it carries. After a mission, which can last for up to four hours, the SpyLite flies back and lands using a parachute. If communication and control links get broken, the UAS has a “return home” facility that guides it back to where it was launched.
Just days ago, the army floated a request for information (RFI) for 75 mini RPAs (remotely piloted aircraft) that are specially configured for high altitudes. The RFI says a formal tender can be expected by April 2019. Meanwhile, seven Indian firms have responded to the tender for 600 mini-UAS that the army floated last year. However, as long as these procurements drag on, firms like CSS, which have a developed and tested UAS, could continue to address this urgent army requirement.
With Cyient Solutions and Systems (CSS), announcing on Tuesday its first-ever sale of SpyLite mini unmanned aerial systems (mini-UAS) to the military, the Indian Army has begun acquiring the urgently needed surveillance capability of being able to look down at a combat zone from the sky.
In border flashpoints like Doklam, or in regular encounters with armed militants in Kashmir, the army has functioned without the essential ability to quickly put “eyes in the sky” to look beyond the nearest hill, or treeline, or clump of buildings. Instead, soldiers have had to wait for a helicopter to reach the site, or even longer for fighter reconnaissance missions or satellite photos.
Meanwhile, other major armies have inducted man-portable, mini-UAS (also called unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs) years ago. India inducted the Israeli Searcher and Heron UAVs in the early 2000s, but those are larger UAVs that operate from an airfield, not with forward infantry detachments. The navy is exploring the purchase of large, long-endurance Sea Guardian UAVs from the US. The Defence R&D Organisation (DRDO) is developing the indigenous Rustom UAV. But frontline infantry troops still do not have dedicated mini-UAVs that they can launch and use.
Late last year, the army floated a tender for 600 mini-UAVs for an estimated Rs 1,000 crore. With that tender having made scant headway, the Northern Command – which conducts counter-militant and counter-infiltration operations in Kashmir, in addition to guarding hundreds of kilometres of border with Pakistan and China – has gone in for SpyLite mini-UAVs under the “special financial powers” of the army commander.
CSS is a Hyderabad-based joint venture between Indian firm, Cyient, and the well-reputed Israeli defence firm, BlueBird Aero Systems. It was incorporated in April.
Neither the military, nor CSS is divulging how many SpyLite UASs the army has bought, or the price paid. NJ Joseph, who heads CSS, is willing to reveal only that this was a competitive procurement, and that the SpyLite was the only UAS that met all the army’s requirements and passed the demanding trials at altitudes above 5,000 metres.
“Taking off from very high altitude in extreme weather conditions, the SpyLite flew over the high mountainous landscape, performing all its missions successfully,” stated a CSS press release on Tuesday.
The SpyLite mini-UAS, which weighs just 9.5 kilogrammes, and its rail launcher is carried between two infantry soldiers. When an operation starts, and “look down” is needed, the local commander can launch a UAS within minutes. Its electric motor carries it to 3,000 feet above the surrounding terrain, from where a video camera and infra-red sensors beam back high-definition images in real time. The launching unit remotely controls the flying vehicle, as well as the sensors it carries. After a mission, which can last for up to four hours, the SpyLite flies back and lands using a parachute. If communication and control links get broken, the UAS has a “return home” facility that guides it back to where it was launched.
Just days ago, the army floated a request for information (RFI) for 75 mini RPAs (remotely piloted aircraft) that are specially configured for high altitudes. The RFI says a formal tender can be expected by April 2019. Meanwhile, seven Indian firms have responded to the tender for 600 mini-UAS that the army floated last year. However, as long as these procurements drag on, firms like CSS, which have a developed and tested UAS, could continue to address this urgent army requirement.
Re: UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
Satellite control set to give drones more sting
India is set for a quantum jump in the way it undertakes drone operations by upgrading from existing ground control stations to satellite-control of military unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to boost their range,endurance and flexibility.
This significant capability boost will come with the launch of GSAT-7A, an advanced military an advanced military communications satellite built by ISRO, in November. “The satellite is specially geared for RPA (remotely-piloted aircraft) operations,” said a defence ministry source.
Re: UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
Reaper scores drone kill in air-to-air missile test
The US Air Force has revealed that an MQ-9 Reaper uncrewed aircraft successfully shot down a smaller drone with a heat-seeking air-to-air missile in a test last November. The details, provided by Col. Julian Cheater, commander of the 432nd Wing, came in an interview with Military.com at the Air Force Association's Air, Space, and Cyber Conference in Washington, DC, yesterday.
Much of the problem has been that the MQ-9, which is flown over a satellite communications link by Air Force operators, lacks the kind of sensors a fighter aircraft would use to track and target other aircraft. Its Lynx multimode radar is a synthetic aperture radar intended for tracking surface targets on land and sea and for providing ground imaging—but not for searching for other aircraft. Its other sensors (other than navigational cameras) were intended for tracking things below as well. And the MQ-9 lacks the sort of electronic-warfare sensors and countermeasures of crewed combat aircraft. However, the Reaper's Multispectral Targeting System (MTS) has proven to be usable for tracking some types of flying targets.
Using communications with other aircraft and units in the area of operation, an MQ-9 crew could use the MTS-C to target an aircraft as well—and to orient the drone to fire an infrared-guided weapon at it. While the weapon used wasn't discussed by Col. Cheater, it was likely a version of the Stinger missile that Raytheon recently upgraded to make more suitable for shooting down drones.
Re: UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
New tender for fixtures for 2 UAVTD to be built. Gives some sizes. Apx numbers are:Indranil wrote:I wanted to. There was nothing in that gave it away. But it looks like a diesel engine powered MALE.
Length 4m, span 5m, depth 0.7m.
Re: UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
0.631 to be exact. Weighs about 1000 kgs. The Diesel MALE is different for sure.
Re: UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
Predator drones on top of Nirmala Sitharaman’s agenda in US visit
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will embark on a three-day bilateral visit to US in December first week with the acquisition of weaponized Predator drones and anti-missile shield for Delhi on top of the agenda with Pentagon.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-ne ... 5kZbN.html
Sitharaman will discuss the acquisition of MQ-9 Reaper or Predator B drones from the US after the Pentagon gave a green signal to the weaponized platform being sold to India.
It is understood that the Indian military is now working on its requirements for Predator-B deones. With an endurance of over 27 hours and speed of 240 knots, the drone can either be deployed by C-130 J Hercules aircraft or self-propelled. The Predator carries Hellfire missile, laser guided bombs and precision guided ammunition.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will embark on a three-day bilateral visit to US in December first week with the acquisition of weaponized Predator drones and anti-missile shield for Delhi on top of the agenda with Pentagon.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-ne ... 5kZbN.html
Sitharaman will discuss the acquisition of MQ-9 Reaper or Predator B drones from the US after the Pentagon gave a green signal to the weaponized platform being sold to India.
It is understood that the Indian military is now working on its requirements for Predator-B deones. With an endurance of over 27 hours and speed of 240 knots, the drone can either be deployed by C-130 J Hercules aircraft or self-propelled. The Predator carries Hellfire missile, laser guided bombs and precision guided ammunition.
Re: UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
As an FYI
From Certain items that have come across my desk at work it seems that Airbus is pushing hard the Qinetiq Zephyr Drone - HAPS program for both Civilian as well as Military Use
Solar Powered
300+ hrs Endurance (Zepher 7) | US Military tested a Smaller Drone at 82hrs
Alt- 61,000Ft
2.5-5kg payload
From Certain items that have come across my desk at work it seems that Airbus is pushing hard the Qinetiq Zephyr Drone - HAPS program for both Civilian as well as Military Use
Solar Powered
300+ hrs Endurance (Zepher 7) | US Military tested a Smaller Drone at 82hrs
Alt- 61,000Ft
2.5-5kg payload
Re: UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
I believe this is a Scene from a movievinod wrote:
Re: UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
^^^ nevertheless, it's a sci-fi that can become a reality in few years
Re: UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
India's first private UAV factory comes up in Hyderabad.
India' first private sector unit for manufacturing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) opened at Adani Aerospace Park here on Friday.
Built by the Adani Group and Israel-based Elbit Systems, the 50,000 square feet facility will develop Hermes 900 medium altitude long-endurance UAVs for the Indian and global markets.
The unit will begin with the manufacture of complete carbon composite aerostructures for Hermes 900, followed by Hermes 480, catering to global markets. It will further be ramped up for assembly and integration of complete UAVs.
The plant has been built at Adani Aerospace Park, the first defence and aerospace complex of Adani Group, at Hardware Park on the outskirts of Hyderabad.
The facility also houses advanced composites and high precision machining capabilities.
The plant was inaugurated by Telangana's Home Minister Mohammad Mahmood Ali in the presence of Pranav Adani, Adani Enterprise Ltd, Karan Adani, CEO, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zones, Bezhalel Machlis, President and Chief Executive Officer, Elbit Systems and Ashish Rajvanshi, Head Adani Defence and Aerospace.
India' first private sector unit for manufacturing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) opened at Adani Aerospace Park here on Friday.
Built by the Adani Group and Israel-based Elbit Systems, the 50,000 square feet facility will develop Hermes 900 medium altitude long-endurance UAVs for the Indian and global markets.
The unit will begin with the manufacture of complete carbon composite aerostructures for Hermes 900, followed by Hermes 480, catering to global markets. It will further be ramped up for assembly and integration of complete UAVs.
The plant has been built at Adani Aerospace Park, the first defence and aerospace complex of Adani Group, at Hardware Park on the outskirts of Hyderabad.
The facility also houses advanced composites and high precision machining capabilities.
The plant was inaugurated by Telangana's Home Minister Mohammad Mahmood Ali in the presence of Pranav Adani, Adani Enterprise Ltd, Karan Adani, CEO, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zones, Bezhalel Machlis, President and Chief Executive Officer, Elbit Systems and Ashish Rajvanshi, Head Adani Defence and Aerospace.
Re: UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
India may cut US surveillance drone deal by half due to fund crunch
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-ne ... 7VvfL.html
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-ne ... 7VvfL.html
The downsizing of the order will mean that the Indian Navy will have to prioritise the areas it wants to keep under surveillance using the SeaGuardian unmanned aerial vehicles.
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Aeroindia webinar on "State-of-the-Art and Future of UAVs and Related Technologies"
Covers interesting works on
- hybrid configurations of VTOL and fixed wing UAVs and long endurance IC engines UAVs by IITM
- some interesting video demos of IITK on autopilot development
- research proposed on inflated wings and work on swarms by IITB
- trajectory planning and movement by IITKgpr
bonus video post watching some of the work done by IITK
Covers interesting works on
- hybrid configurations of VTOL and fixed wing UAVs and long endurance IC engines UAVs by IITM
- some interesting video demos of IITK on autopilot development
- research proposed on inflated wings and work on swarms by IITB
- trajectory planning and movement by IITKgpr
bonus video post watching some of the work done by IITK
Re: UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
I cannot post this picture, as Flickr will not allow. But a nice model of Ghatak from Def Exp 2018.
Here's the Ghatak UCAV model from this year's Defexpo ---> https://www.flickr.com/photos/delhidefe ... 854082407/
Here's the Ghatak UCAV model from this year's Defexpo ---> https://www.flickr.com/photos/delhidefe ... 854082407/
Re: UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
There you go
Re: UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
Thank you ashthor!
https://twitter.com/indiandefence11/sta ... 5074166785 --> Indian Army Drone Operator with an IAI Searcher UAV.
https://twitter.com/indiandefence11/sta ... 5074166785 --> Indian Army Drone Operator with an IAI Searcher UAV.
Re: UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
http://www.pib.nic.in/PressReleaseIfram ... ID=1564890#
Rustom has reached LSP stage very very silently. Jingo khush hua.
Rustom has reached LSP stage very very silently. Jingo khush hua.
Re: UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
The press release refers to the LSP of Tejas and the full scale Rustom. It doesn't refer to LSP of Rustom.Thakur_B wrote:http://www.pib.nic.in/PressReleaseIfram ... ID=1564890#
Rustom has reached LSP stage very very silently. Jingo khush hua.
Re: UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
Hyderabad firm seals deal with US co to train Predator Drone
HYDERABAD: Amid a deepening diplomatic crisis between India and Pakistan, Hyderabad-based Sankhya Infotech on Wednesday announced its collaboration with US defence major, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI) to train pilots in operating a fleet of 22 Sea Guardian Predator Drones (MQ-9 R)
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Re: UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
Cheap drone (equipped with a shotgun) to take down cheap drones
Might be useful application for our forces along the LOC
Might be useful application for our forces along the LOC
Re: UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
Looking at the drone and its flight it appears that it is targeting very small UAS groups which are probably better addressed via jamming. For larger drones the drone vs drone CONOPS of Coyote is probably better for it is able to go after a larger target set as well. In the end, nothing is going to be more cost effective than either jamming or using a high-energy laser or microwave solution. For many of these drone classes a sub 100 kW system or even sub 50kW system for point defense is sufficient.
Re: UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
Yes. It is addressing the very small UAVs, the kind the Pakis send across now and then (and sometimes stage 'Indian UAV shot down' displays of).brar_w wrote:Looking at the drone and its flight it appears that it is targeting very small UAS groups which are probably better addressed via jamming.
Jamming would be very effective. What are the typical logistical footprints of the Jammers and their ranges. And costs.
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https://www.financialexpress.com/indust ... n/1494931/
PLans for heli engines, guided bombs etcThe Kalyani Group has conducted a successful flight of its Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). An UAV team was created at their R&D centre in Pune and their first UAV flew successfully after all possible technical simulations, Baba Kalyani, CMD, Bharat Forge, said.
The next challenge is to build a quadcopter that can lift 50 kgs of weight, to help the army carry things in mountainous regions, Kalyani said.
Re: UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
In A First, India To Get Armed Drones With Missile Capabilities As US Agrees To Sell Predator Drones
The United States (US) is believed to have informed New Delhi in the recent months about its decision to sell armed Guardian [variant of Predator B] drones, of which the US had previously agreed to sell only surveillance versions to India, reports Tribune India.
Re: UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
^^^ I don't understand armed versions for either Army or Navy. What would they be armed with (I presume Hellfire) and under what circumstances would we use them ?
I can't imagine they being used in Op Balakot sort of operations (missile range not enough and no air superiority) or in Kargil war.
I can't imagine they being used in Op Balakot sort of operations (missile range not enough and no air superiority) or in Kargil war.
Re: UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
In addition to the Hellfire/JAGM, the Predator family can also carry the GBU-38 and Paveway II PGM's, and work is underway to integrate the stand-off SDB and Laser SDB as well. I guess at some point the SDB-II will be added as well once that munition is fielded in quantity beyond the platforms it is currently feeding a need for (F-15E and F-35A). As the article below mentions, the Predator/reaper family is being upgraded to sport the Universal Armament Interface (UAI) which once complete, would basically make all UAI compliant weapons, such as UK's SPEAR III, Norway's JSM etc much much simpler to integrate.srin wrote:^^^ I don't understand armed versions for either Army or Navy. What would they be armed with (I presume Hellfire) and under what circumstances would we use them ?
I can't imagine they being used in Op Balakot sort of operations (missile range not enough and no air superiority) or in Kargil war.
https://thedefensepost.com/2017/11/28/r ... tegration/
Re: UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
^^^ Thank you, Brar ji. That's good to know. I guess at some point the entire bill of materials will get notified and we'll know exactly what we're purchasing.
Given what you know about these platforms and associated weapons, what are the scenarios under which we may feasibly use them ?
Given what you know about these platforms and associated weapons, what are the scenarios under which we may feasibly use them ?
Re: UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
Any progress on the Rustum since this.Supratik wrote:Rustom 2 to enter user trials this year.
https://www.livefistdefence.com/2019/02 ... onths.html
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https://mod.gov.in/sites/default/files/MoDAR2018.pdf
Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) ‘TAPAS BH’:
TAPAS-BH, a multimission UAV is being developed with an endurance of 24 hours to carry out the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) roles for the three Armed Forces. It is being designed to operate at 30,000 ft Above Mean Sea Level (AMSL) altitude and is capable of carrying Electronic Warfare and Electro-Optic & Synthetic Aperture Radar (EO & SAR) payloads. It can carry a variety of other payloads weighing up to 350 kg.
The flights with High Power Engine (HPE) commenced in February, 2018. During January, 2018 – March, 2019, 39 flight trials using airframe AF5 (with HPE) have been completed (total 50 flight trials completed since the maiden flight in November, 2016). Flight trials on airframe AF6 also commenced in January, 2019 and as on date, 9 flight trials have been conducted. Indigenous SATNAV INS system, indigenous payloads (GPA Mk-IV, MREO) and imported payloads (SATCOM, LREO, ELINT&SAR) has also been tested during these trials. The payload was able to localize radars successfully.
65 hp Rotary Engine and 180 hp Indigenous UAV Engine:
During the period (January, 2018 – March, 2019), high altitude test were completed at Leh (11,400 ft) and Changla (17,600 ft) for 65 hp Rotary Engine and 180 hp indigenous UAV Engine. Flight trials of 65 hp Wankel engine were also carried out.
Re: UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
Did anyone seriously think that drones would be effective in contested airspace, till Iran proved it otherwise ?
India rethinks buying US armed drones
India rethinks buying US armed drones
Last month’s downing of the US Global Hawk drone by Iran in the Persian Gulf has prompted a rethink within the Indian military establishment, led by the air force, over the acquisition of American-made armed drones on account of their cost and questions over their survivability.
According to the military brass, the IAF has internally raised questions about an armed drone surviving in a contested air space like over Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) or along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) — the disputed de facto border between India and China — with both potential adversaries equipped with top of the line surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems .
The other significant reason behind the Indian rethink is the prohibitive price of armed drones like the Predator-B. According to the military establishment, the cost of a bare drone platform will be to the tune of $100 million and a full complement of weapons like laser-guided bombs or hell-fire missiles will cost another $100 million.
“This means that an armed drone with full complement of weapons will be more expensive than Rafael multi-role fighter with all weapons and missiles on board. Under the circumstances, the IAF will give preference to acquiring more multi-role fighters with long-range air-to-air missiles and the Indian army will be looking towards replacing its dated T-72 tanks. The Indian navy needs more surface combatants at sea rather than an armed drone for projecting itself as an Indo-Pacific power,” said a senior South Block official.
Re: UAVs, Drones, Remote Surveillance Tech
No these are not assets that are going to be a huge value add in combat or contested environments unless they are used in conjunction with other airpower (SEAD etc). However that is not their point or at least was not for those who designed it. Their value is the # of ISR orbits they can put by being up for 24 or more hours gathering intelligence and soaking up ELINT data 99% of the times there isn't a war. The USAF has its classified ISR and perhaps strike UAS program to feed penetrating requirements. Building them into the Predator or Global Hawk family would be just too cost prohibitive to make sense given most of their service life will be used up in flying peacetime ISR or maritime orbits.