Archive · 3 Oct 2026
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.
- When
- Singh spoke on Saturday at the annual press conference ahead of Air Force Day on 8 October.
- Where
- New Delhi.
- 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.
- 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.
