The Indian Army is responding to emerging threats from drone warfare. These threats have been particularly evident during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Indian Army has initiated steps to equip its main battle tanks with anti-drone protection systems. The move is designed to enhance the survivability of the T-90 and T-72 tanks. This protection is against a wide range of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
MoD Floats RFI for Counter-UAS Solutions
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued a Request for Information (RFI). This is for the procurement of approximately 75 platform-mounted Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS). These systems will be designed specifically for integration with T-90 and T-72 tanks. The procurement process is part of the “Make in India” initiative. The MoD is inviting responses from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). They are also inviting Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and authorized vendors.
The complete delivery of the systems is expected within 36 months from the finalisation of the contract.
Growing Drone Threat Necessitates Action
The battlefield has evolved, and threats to armored vehicles now come from all directions—not just the front. Loitering munitions have exposed vulnerabilities in traditional tank designs. Kamikaze drones present similar challenges. Swarm drones and FPV (First Person View) UAVs also contribute to these vulnerabilities.
The Army recognizes this shift. They are seeking systems that can detect, track, and neutralize aerial threats. These systems should utilize both soft kill measures, such as jamming and spoofing, and hard kill measures. The hard kill mechanism is expected to work in coordination with the tanks’ existing anti-aircraft machine guns.
Integration Without Compromise
The RFI outlines a key requirement for the new C-UAS systems. They must be compatible with current tank architecture. This compatibility should not degrade mobility, lethality, or existing combat functions. The Army also emphasizes the need for operational adaptability in diverse terrains. These terrains range from deserts and plains to high-altitude zones like Ladakh and Sikkim.
Tank Fleet and Current Deployment
The Indian Army currently operates around 1,700 T-90 and 2,000 T-72 tanks, primarily sourced from Russia. These tanks are deployed along critical fronts, including the Western and Northern borders. Since 2020, T-90s and T-72s have been stationed at high-altitude areas like eastern Ladakh and Sikkim. These areas often exceed elevations of 15,000 feet.
In the interim, the Army has experimented with makeshift solutions like metal cage armor to deflect aerial attacks. However, such methods may impact a tank’s maneuverability and effectiveness in combat, highlighting the need for more sophisticated, integrated solutions.
Drone warfare is becoming a defining element of modern conflict. The Indian Army’s initiative signals a shift toward future-proofing its armoured fleet. The focus on modular, tank-integrated anti-drone technology reflects the growing importance of survivability in an increasingly UAV-dominated battlefield.
