New Delhi: In a significant move to strengthen its technology-driven combat capabilities, the Indian Army has announced the creation of specialised ‘Baaz Battalions’—dedicated units that will operate and manage drones and remotely piloted aircraft across multiple operational theatres. The initiative marks a major step in the Army’s ongoing transformation as unmanned systems become an integral part of modern warfare.
The announcement was made by Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, who said drones are rapidly becoming as indispensable on the battlefield as communication systems and night-vision equipment. He stressed that the Army is preparing for future conflicts by expanding its drone fleet and building specialised units capable of sustained surveillance, reconnaissance and precision operations.
Dedicated Drone Units
The proposed Baaz Battalions will evolve from the Army’s existing Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Flights and will consist of specially trained personnel responsible for operating, maintaining and managing a wide range of unmanned aerial systems.
These battalions will oversee the deployment of drones for intelligence gathering, battlefield surveillance, target acquisition, logistics support and precision missions. The dedicated structure is expected to improve coordination between drone operations and ground forces, enabling faster and more effective decision-making during military operations.
Enhancing Battlefield Awareness
One of the primary objectives of the Baaz Battalions is to strengthen the Army’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Equipped with advanced drone technologies, the units will provide real-time battlefield intelligence, monitor enemy movements and support commanders with timely situational awareness.
Military planners believe that persistent aerial surveillance and rapid information sharing will significantly enhance operational efficiency while reducing risks to soldiers deployed on the ground.
Part of Army Aviation Corps
The specialised battalions are expected to function under the Army Aviation Corps, creating a dedicated organisational framework for large-scale drone operations.
They will complement existing drone formations, including the Ashini drone platoons deployed with infantry units for tactical surveillance and the Divyastra batteries of the Artillery Regiment that operate loitering munitions for precision strikes. Together, these formations are intended to create a comprehensive unmanned warfare ecosystem within the Indian Army.
Rapid Expansion of Drone Fleet
The Indian Army has witnessed a remarkable expansion in its drone capabilities over the past two years. According to the Army Chief, the force now operates more than 50,000 drones, a dramatic increase from just a few hundred in the recent past. The Army is planning to further expand its inventory over the next few years as drone technology becomes increasingly sophisticated and cost-effective.
The growing reliance on unmanned systems reflects the changing character of warfare, where drones are being used for surveillance, reconnaissance, logistics, electronic warfare and precision strikes.
Preparing for Future Warfare
The establishment of Baaz Battalions is part of the Indian Army’s broader modernisation programme aimed at preparing for future battlefields shaped by artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and advanced unmanned technologies.
Recent global conflicts have demonstrated the decisive role drones can play in military operations, from monitoring hostile activities to carrying out precision attacks with minimal risk to personnel. By creating dedicated drone battalions, the Indian Army aims to build a technologically advanced force capable of responding effectively to emerging security challenges and maintaining operational superiority in an increasingly complex combat environment.
