In response to the increasing threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on modern battlefields, the Indian Army has initiated plans to install anti-drone systems on its Russian-origin tank fleet. The move is part of a broader effort to modernise its armoured warfare capabilities and ensure greater battlefield protection for frontline combat units.
Senior defence officials have indicated that the Army is actively seeking technology to counter drone threats, which have proven to be both cost-effective and highly disruptive in recent conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and the Armenia-Azerbaijan clashes. These systems are intended to be integrated primarily with the Indian Army’s T-90 and T-72 tanks—key components of the country’s armoured formations.
The anti-drone systems will be designed to detect, track, and neutralise hostile drones before they can inflict damage on tanks or reveal positions through surveillance. The Army is exploring a mix of soft-kill and hard-kill solutions, including radio frequency jamming, directed-energy weapons (such as high-powered lasers), and kinetic interceptors.
Initial proposals have been invited from Indian and international defence firms, in line with the government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiatives. The integration process is likely to involve collaboration between domestic research organisations such as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and private defence manufacturers.
Experts note that armoured units are particularly vulnerable to drone attacks, as these platforms often operate in open terrain and are prime targets for loitering munitions and kamikaze drones. Upgrading tanks with anti-drone systems will not only enhance survivability but also allow Indian armoured corps to operate with more flexibility in high-threat environments.
The Indian Army currently operates over 1,000 T-90 and more than 2,000 T-72 tanks, most of which have seen service in challenging operational zones, including the western and northern borders. Integrating drone countermeasures will give these platforms a technological edge without requiring complete overhauls or replacements.
This upgrade plan comes amid broader military reforms where the Indian armed forces are focusing on enhancing technological capabilities to meet evolving threats. The initiative also reflects a shift toward hybrid warfare preparedness, where traditional weapon platforms must adapt to asymmetric and low-cost technologies such as drones.
The timeline for implementation is yet to be finalised, but trials and evaluations are expected to begin in the coming months, paving the way for large-scale adoption within the next couple of years.
