Indian Army develops first indigenous ammunition framework for combat drones

The Indian Army has, for the first time, conceptualised a dedicated ammunition framework for various categories of combat drones already being integrated into its different arms. According to a report by Businessline, this framework will be developed entirely indigenously, with the primary objective of enhancing the Army's strategic capabilities.

The Army's move signifies a major shift towards acquiring a complete ordnance stack rather than merely possessing drone airframes. This initiative is driven by the mission of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance), enabling the Army to develop its internal capabilities, prepare for war, and maintain supply chain sustainability. Informed sources stated that the Army's dedicated drone ammunition framework is currently in the validation stage. Once this process is completed, its development and production phases will commence.

Generally, drone ammunition is divided into three main categories: anti-personnel payload, anti-tank payload, and anti-bunker payload. Depending on mission requirements and the drone's endurance capacity, the size of these payloads can range from 500 g to 100 kg.

An expert working for an ammunition manufacturing company, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that there is now a demand to include both anti-personnel and anti-tank capabilities within a single payload. Additionally, there is a requirement for ammunition for counter-drone systems to neutralise drone swarms.

Indian industries, including specifically state-owned Munitions India Limited, Solar Industries, and Premier Explosives Limited, have developed the capability to provide various types of warheads for attack drones.

Different payloads are carried by three main types of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). First, First-Person View (FPV) drones primarily carry anti-personnel or counter-drone payloads. Second, long-range one-way attack drones, such as the Shaheed and Geran families, carry anti-bunker payloads. Third, loitering munitions or kamikaze drones are capable of carrying anti-tank and anti-infrastructure payloads.

Sources explained that various indigenous loitering munitions utilise interchangeable modular warheads. Depending on the mission profile, switches can be made between high-explosive blast, cumulative anti-tank, and thermobaric options. Sources informed of ammunition production further stated that FPV drones regularly use modified rocket-propelled grenade warheads, which possess the capability to penetrate armour via a high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) mechanism.

The Indian defence forces extensively utilised combat drones and counter-drone systems during 'Operation Sindoor'. The Indian Army is now undergoing a tactical transformation to maximise drone integration through a standardised architecture across all sections, from frontline infantry squads to strategic special forces.