The Indian defence establishment has taken a firm stand against the use of Chinese components in drones meant for military operations. In a decisive move, the Army has scrapped three contracts worth over Rs 230 crore that were intended for the induction of 400 logistics drones.
This step underscores India’s commitment to securing its defence technology against potential cybersecurity threats and operational vulnerabilities.
Why Were the Drone Contracts Scrapped?
The scrapped contracts included 200 medium-altitude, 100 heavy-weight, and 100 light-weight logistics drones, signed under emergency procurement provisions in 2023. These drones were primarily meant for deployment along the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, an area of heightened military tension since the 2020 border standoff.
The reason for the cancellations?
Several Indian companies were found incorporating Chinese components and electronics in drones meant for the armed forces. This raised significant concerns over cybersecurity, data security, and the possibility of foreign adversaries gaining unauthorized access to drone operations.
Also read: How 3d printing is revolutionizing defence drone development.
The Rising Threat of Cybersecurity Breaches
Defence officials have highlighted the risks associated with using Chinese-made electronics in military drones. The possibility of an adversary remotely taking control of a drone, jamming signals, or deploying backdoor vulnerabilities is a real concern. These security loopholes could compromise military operations and intelligence-gathering efforts.
A case in point is the August 2023 incident, where an infantry unit lost control of a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAV along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri.
The UAV veered into Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir, prompting an investigation. While initial reports suggested a technical glitch, the incident underscored the need for stringent checks in drone procurement.
Strengthening Defence Procurement Policies
In response to these vulnerabilities, the defence establishment has tightened its procurement policies. The new regulations mandate that drone manufacturers provide comprehensive certifications confirming the absence of Chinese components or embedded malicious codes.
Additionally, the procurement process will now include counter-checking and technical verifications.
Also read: Budget 2025 - A glimpse into India’s drone industry future.
A Warning to the Indian Drone Industry
To further reinforce these measures, the defence ministry’s Department of Defence Production has urged major industry bodies, including FICCI, CII, and Assocham, to caution their members against using Chinese parts in military-grade drones. This advisory aims to ensure that Indian manufacturers source components from secure and trusted suppliers.
India’s Expanding Military Drone Program
Despite the challenges, India continues to expand its drone capabilities across various categories. The armed forces have been actively acquiring a wide array of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including:
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Nano, Mini, and Micro Drones – Used for short-range reconnaissance and tactical operations.
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Kamikaze Drones – Suicide drones designed for precision strikes.
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Logistics Drones – For delivering supplies in remote and high-altitude terrains.
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Armed Swarm Drones – A futuristic warfare technology for battlefield dominance.
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MALE & HALE UAVs – Medium-altitude and high-altitude drones for long-endurance surveillance and intelligence operations.
Conclusion
India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing is evident through initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. The crackdown on Chinese components in military drones is a step in the right direction, ensuring the nation’s security infrastructure remains resilient and uncompromised.
As the geopolitical landscape evolves, securing indigenous defence technology will be paramount. The recent move by the Indian Army is not just about eliminating Chinese parts—it is about fortifying national security and paving the way for a robust, self-sufficient defence ecosystem.
