The Indian Army plans to procure indigenous AI-enabled attack drones with a 1,000-km strike range, boosting India’s long-range precision warfare and self-reliant defence capabilities.
New Delhi: The Indian Army has initiated plans to acquire indigenously developed AI-enabled attack drones capable of striking targets up to 1,000 kilometres away, marking a major step toward strengthening the country’s long-range precision strike capabilities.
According to defence reports, the proposed unmanned aerial systems will be equipped with artificial intelligence, autonomous mission planning, precision targeting, and advanced surveillance features. The drones are expected to enhance the Army’s operational effectiveness in high-risk and contested environments while reducing risks to personnel.
The procurement is part of India’s broader push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Domestic defence companies and startups are expected to play a key role in developing the next-generation combat drones.
Officials believe the AI-powered platforms will be capable of carrying precision-guided munitions, conducting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, and executing long-range strikes against strategic targets. The systems are also expected to incorporate secure communications, electronic warfare resistance, and real-time battlefield data processing.
The move reflects the Indian Army’s increasing focus on integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and indigenous defence solutions into future military operations.
Once inducted, the drones are expected to significantly boost India’s defence preparedness and provide greater flexibility in modern warfare scenarios.
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