India to buy drones, advanced weapons to improve aerial defense system

NEW DELHI: In a bid to strengthen the defense to counter the Chinese threat at the border, the Indian Army is buying more weapons including drones and light tanks. The Ministry of Defense has put out a condition that orders should be completed within one year of contract signing. Locally manufactured goods are procured under the fast-track procedure for emergency procurement.

The Army is increasingly procuring the latest generation of drones that provide high-resolution imagery that enables target detection, identification and movement monitoring of enemies and their convoys. This is because the areas bordering China are mostly steep mountains. Along with the drones, the army is reportedly buying 1,000 surveillance copters.

The Indian Army has decided to buy attack-capable Predator-B drones from the United States. These drones are capable of high-flying surveillance as well as attack. In the Iraq, Afghan and Syrian wars, the United States used Predator B drones for air strikes. They can even detect the small movements of the enemy. China now has Wing Loong-2 drones capable of surveillance and attack. There were reports that China is preparing to give four of these to Pakistan. India has expedited the move to purchase drones in this situation.

Currently, the Indian Army is strong enough to counter any move by China along the border. The army has recently also inducted state-of-the-art systems like Pinaka rocket systems, Dhanush gun system, K-9 Vajra and ultra-light howitzers.