New Delhi: The Indian defense sector is ramping up efforts to ensure military drones procured from domestic companies are free of Chinese components. This initiative follows growing concerns over potential security risks posed by Chinese electronics in drones used for military purposes. The Army has planned a showcase of drones by domestic manufacturers in the high-altitude region of Ladakh later this month.Formulation of a strict mechanismTo prevent Chinese components from entering the supply chain, a stringent evaluation mechanism is being developed. Major General CS Mann, Additional Director General of the Army Design Bureau, stated that an appropriate methodology with specific technical parameters is being worked out. This move is aimed at eliminating Chinese involvement in critical military equipment, thereby bolstering the nations security.Drone contractsRecently, an order for 200 medium-altitude logistics drones for the Army was put on hold by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) until the manufacturer could prove the absence of Chinese parts. These drones were intended for deployment along Indias northern borders with China, making the issue even more critical.Industry bodies warnedIn a bid to curb reliance on Chinese components, the Department of Defence Production has urged industry bodies, including FICCI, CII, and Assocham, to caution their members against using such parts in drones and related defense equipment. The initiative highlights Indias resolve to strengthen domestic manufacturing while ensuring security in its defense procurements.Diversity of drone acquistionIn response to the prolonged military standoff with China in eastern Ladakh, now entering its fifth year, the Indian armed forces have embarked on a significant procurement drive for drones. This acquisition spans a wide range of drone types, including nano, mini, micro, kamikaze, logistics, armed swarms, and advanced fighter-sized Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) and High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) UAVs.A platform for indegenious solutions The Indian Army is set to organize the Him-Drone-A-Thon on September 17-18 at Wari La, near Leh, to showcase domestic companies drone solutions designed for high-altitude regions. Major General C.S. Mann emphasized the importance of this initiative, allowing Indian companies to demonstrate their drone technologies capable of operating in the challenging environments of eastern Ladakh.Efforts to elevate UAV FleetThe Armys focus on acquiring a broad spectrum of drones underscores the importance of unmanned aerial systems in modern warfare. The procurement includes everything from small surveillance drones to larger, more advanced armed UAVs, all geared towards enhancing operational capabilities in the harsh, high-altitude terrain of eastern Ladakh.
