3 days ago
IAF Says Drones Are Evolutionary, Favors Integrated Combat Operations
The Indian Air Force has used drones for more than 20 years.
Its chief, A P Singh, said drones are an important next step, rather than a completely new kind of capability.
The IAF plans to add more kinds of unmanned aircraft.
It does not want a separate force that uses only drones.
Instead, drones should work together with fighter jets, missiles and other weapons.
Singh said using different weapons together can help in a conflict.
He pointed to Operation Sindoor as an example.
He said that combined use helped the war end within four days on India's terms.
The IAF believes drones will work alongside conventional aircraft, not replace them.
Air Chief Marshal A P Singh said drones are evolutionary, not revolutionary, for the IAF.
He said the IAF has used drone-related capabilities for more than two decades and is expanding its unmanned platforms.
Singh said the IAF does not plan to create a separate force for unmanned systems.
The IAF wants drones to operate alongside fighters, missiles and other weapons.
Singh cited Operation Sindoor, saying combined use of drones, fighters and other weapons helped end the war within four days on India's terms.
- Who
- The Indian Air Force and its chief, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh.
- What
- The IAF is expanding unmanned capabilities and plans to integrate them with fighters and other weapons rather than establish a separate drone force.
- Where
- New Delhi.
- When
- Singh spoke on Saturday at the annual press conference ahead of Air Force Day on 8 October.
- Why
- The IAF says unmanned systems should operate together with other weapons as part of an integrated combat approach.
Separate drone formations
Integrated IAF approach
How unmanned systems should be organized
Separate drone formations
The article says the IAF was asked whether it would follow the Army's strategy of creating exclusive drone formations.
Integrated IAF approach
Singh said the IAF does not plan a separate drone force; unmanned systems should operate as part of the same setup alongside other weapons.
Key facts
- Organization
- Indian Air Force (IAF)
- Official
- Air Chief Marshal A P Singh
- Drone history
- Singh said the IAF has used drone-related capabilities for over two decades.
- Planned approach
- Integrate unmanned systems with fighters, missiles and other weapons.
- Separate drone force
- Singh said the IAF does not see a need for one.
- Example cited
- Operation Sindoor; Singh said combined use of drones, fighters and other weapons helped end the war within four days on India's terms.
- Air Force Day
- The press conference was held ahead of Air Force Day on 8 October.
Quotes
Air Chief Marshal A P Singh
Chief of the Indian Air Force
“They should be a part of the same setup and you have to be operating together. These have to be together along with other weapons so that they bring in that effect.”
theprint.in
“Drones are not revolutionary for the Indian Air Force. Yes, they are evolutionary.”
theprint.in
Sources
Related news
IAF Chief Warns Delays and Falling Squadrons Could Hurt
IAF May Look Abroad If AMCA Faces Further Delays
India Air Chief Flags Pakistan-China Fighter Jet Concerns
Indian Air Force Launches Dronathon 2026 for Indigenous Drone Technologies
IAF Chief Urges Faster AMCA as China-Pakistan Fighter Concerns Grow
IAF Seeks Faster Jet Inductions, Flags Pakistan’s Fifth-Generation Plans
Indo-Argentine Army Team Successfully Summits Two Himalayan Peaks
India Needs Law-Anchored Impact Assessments for Better Regulation
Rahul Gandhi Detained After Protest Seeking Election Commission Meeting
Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi Detained During Anti-CEC Protest
Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Detained After Hours-Long SIR Protest