Overview
- Air Chief Marshal A P Singh said at his last annual press conference on Saturday, Oct. 3, that the Indian Air Force does not plan to create a separate drone force and will keep unmanned systems embedded in its formations.
- Singh argued that operating drones alongside manned fighters, missiles and other weapons preserves their battlefield effect and prevents fragmented use of key capabilities.
- The IAF is increasing the number and types of drones and loitering munitions and can raise more specialised unmanned units within current structures if operational needs demand it.
- The Indian Army is building dedicated drone formations, including the Baaz Battalion and embedded Ashni, Shaurya and Divyastra units, creating a clear organisational split between the services.
- Singh said discussions on theatre commands should factor in lessons from recent operations such as Operation Sindoor, noting that the IAF’s long experience with unmanned systems dates back decades and shapes its evolutionary approach.