Amid India-Pak Tensions, IIT-Kanpur's Combat Drones Set for Final Trials
The final trials of two drones developed by IIT-Kanpur is all set to take place on May 25, marking a milestone feat for India’s indigenously built defense and surveillance. The drones would probably become part of the Indian Army’s UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) arsenal.
The milestone development has gained more prominence in the wake of the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict, which was marked by the extensive use of drones for surveillance as well as attacks on enemy targets.
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The two cutting-edge drones developed by IIT-Kanpur would potentially be a vital addition to the Indian Army’s UAV arsenal, reports The New Indian Express.
The IIT has designed two drones – the FPV (First Person View) combat drone and a high-payload logistics drone – to meet the demands of modern warfare. It is believed that once the final run is complete, the equipment could be deployed for active operations. IIT Kanpur has previously supplied around 30 drones to the Indian Army.
Built for offensive roles in close-range engagements, the FPV combat drone is a high-speed low-altitude tactical UAV. The drone features a compact frame, ultra-fast motor, and front-mounted high-definition camera capable of transmitting real-time video to ground controllers. The drone can fly at speeds of up to 120 kmph and has a flight endurance of up to 30 minutes. It is also equipped with GPS-denied navigation capabilities and visual-inertial odometry. It can operate in jammed or signal-compromised environments, and can fly through narrow urban or mountainous paths with enhanced obstacle-avoidance algorithms, making it highly effective in surgical strike-type operations.
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The high-payload logistics drone is a multi-rotor UAV capable of lifting up to 30 kg of cargo over a range of 40 km. Engineered for operations in high altitude or disaster-prone areas, the drone is equipped with long-range encrypted communication links and advanced fail-safe systems. The drone can operate under diverse weather conditions and is designed to land in unprepared terrain. Its modular payload bay can carry different types of cargo, and it would significantly reduce the army’s human dependence.
Notably, the premier tech institution is to deliver combat drones to be used in modern warfare in response to the Ministry of Defence’s urgent directive. Once delivered, the equipment is expected to be deployed during the ongoing tensions with Pakistan. The past two weeks of conflict saw Pakistan using Turkey-made drones extensively for precision targeting, collecting real-time intelligence, tracking military movements and carrying out guided strikes with accuracy. It can pinpoint locations and hence minimize collateral damage.
Notably, on Wednesday, India successfully tested Bhargavastra, an indigenous low-cost counter drone system that can destroy swarm drone systems. Bhargavastra has been designed and developed by Solar Defense and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), to counter the escalating threat of drone swarms.
Amid the increasingly drone-led warfare dominating the battlefield, India also appears to have recognised the need for advanced drone systems, leading to collaboration with top tech institutions.
Talking about the drones developed by IIT-Kanpur’s aerospace engineering department, Professor Abhishek stated, “both models are equipped with stealth features and radar-evasive capabilities, making them ideal for deployment in hostile zones,” the news portal quoted.
