The Russia-Ukraine conflict introduced a formidable new weapon to the world: FPV drones, or First Person View drones. Equipped with cameras and driven by turbofan engines, these drones are GPS-enabled and can carry a variety of armaments. They offer a cost-effective, precise solution for striking both stationary and mobile targets. These very drones now pose a threat to India from China.
GPS-guided artillery shells, launched from cannons, cost about $100,000 each, roughly equivalent to 8.53 lakh INR. In contrast, FPV drones are significantly cheaper at $1,500, or 1.28 lakh INR each. This stark price discrepancy could be advantageous for military operations.
These drones can be armed with anti-tank weaponry to hit any high-value target. They are capable of destroying artillery, tanks, or missile silos, and can be used similarly to anti-tank guided missiles. A coordinated attack involving 500 to 1,000 FPV drones could cripple any air defense system.
FPV drones are designed to target rapidly moving objects, military structures, armored vehicles, troop transports, or missile silos. Traditionally, these drones operate on radio frequency signals, making them susceptible to jamming via electronic warfare systems. However, they are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) is gearing up to procure one million kamikaze drones, expected to be delivered by 2026. These will be lightweight, precise, and deadly, powered by AI. With this step, China is well-prepared for future warfare. The looming danger is that these drones could also be acquired by Pakistan and eventually Bangladesh, raising threats to India's security from multiple fronts.
AI-driven kamikaze drones can fly for up to eight hours, potentially bypassing India's air defense guns and counter-drone systems. They're capable of executing precise strikes on India's vital command centers. A large-scale launch could destroy any air defense system, potentially leading to considerable casualties if a secondary wave materializes.
The Chinese military has commenced training its troops in operating these drones, with exercises in drone swarm tactics—conducting lethal attacks with hundreds of drones simultaneously. India's key military assets and troop movements are shielded by electronic warfare systems.
If drones deceive these systems, escape becomes difficult. Consequently, India's Defense Ministry is actively seeking the most precise, cost-effective, user-friendly, and lethal countermeasures. Additionally, the Indian defense industry is urged to develop necessary systems to avert these dangers.
