A Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of the Drone Threat to India from Our Potential Adversaries and Anti-Drone Capability Required to Counter the Same in a Multi-Front Tri-Service War – CLAWS
AI Analysis
A study by CLAWS assesses the escalating drone threat to India from China and Pakistan, anticipating coordinated attacks involving up to 2000 drones per day in a high-intensity conflict. The report emphasizes the need for an integrated, multi-layered Counter-UAS (C-UAS) framework. It advocates for accelerated indigenization and capacity building in C-UAS technologies.
Key Takeaways
- China and Pakistan are rapidly expanding their drone arsenals, including ISTAR platforms, UCAVs, swarm drones, FPV systems, and loitering munitions.
- Future drone warfare is predicted to involve persistent grey-zone activity escalating to large-scale swarm attacks targeting air defense and C2 networks.
- India could face 1500-2000 drone attacks per day during a major conflict, based on open-source intelligence.
- An effective C-UAS framework requires advanced detection, kinetic/non-kinetic kill mechanisms, and a dedicated Battle Management Command and Control (BMC2) architecture.
- The study stresses the importance of domestic C-UAS development and capacity building to reduce reliance on foreign systems.
Why It Matters
This analysis highlights a critical vulnerability for India, given the increasing accessibility and sophistication of drone technology. Failure to adequately prepare for this threat could result in significant strategic disadvantages in future conflicts, impacting both military operations and critical infrastructure. The call for indigenization is crucial for long-term security and self-reliance.
A Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of the Drone Threat to India from Our Potential Adversaries and Anti-Drone Capability Required to Counter the Same in a Multi-Front Tri-Service War – CLAWS
Friday, May 8, 2026
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Publication
Research Areas
Global & Regional Security
National Security
Military Studies
Military Technology & Defence Acquisition
Multi Domain Studies
Publication
Research Areas
Global & Regional Security
National Security
Military Studies
Military Technology & Defence Acquisition
Multi Domain Studies
No Result
View All Result
No Result
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A Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of the Drone Threat to India from Our Potential Adversaries and Anti-Drone Capability Required to Counter the Same in a Multi-Front Tri-Service War
by Lt Gen (Dr.) VK Saxena, PVSM, AVSM,VSM,PhD (Retd)
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Abstract
The rapid proliferation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), swarm drones, loitering munitions, and autonomous strike technologies is reshaping the character of modern warfare. This paper examines the qualitative and quantitative drone threat to India from its potential adversaries in the context of a future multi-front tri-Service war and analyses the anti-drone capabilities required to counter such threats. The study assesses the expanding drone arsenals and operational doctrines of China and Pakistan across the spectrum of ISTAR platforms, UCAVs, swarm drones, FPV systems, and loitering munitions, including the possibility of collusive employment.
It further evaluates the likely operational pattern of future drone warfare, characterized by persistent grey-zone activity followed by large-scale swarm and drone attacks intended to overwhelm India’s air defence and command-and-control networks. Based on open-source assessments, the paper estimates that India could face coordinated drone attacks of 1500–2000 or more platforms per day during a high-intensity conflict. The study argues for an integrated Counter-UAS framework comprising advanced detection systems, kinetic and non-kinetic kill mechanisms, and dedicated Battle Management Command and Control (BMC2) architecture, supported by accelerated indigenization and capacity building.
Keywords: Drone Warfare, Counter-UAS (C-UAS) Swarm Drones, Multi-Front Warfare, Air Defence, Autonomous Systems
Click Here to Download the Issue Brief
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Lt Gen (Dr.) VK Saxena, PVSM, AVSM,VSM,PhD (Retd)
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