Are Iranian drones redefining warfare in West Asia?
How are Iran-supplied drones changing the dynamics of warfare in West Asia? Deadly attacks using Shahed drones have been carried out by militias in West Asia and even in the Russia-Ukraine war. Does this give Iran an edge in its current escalation against Israel? Experts weigh in. Key Points
India TodayIndia-US discussions underway for $3.9 billion MQ-9B drones acquisition
A team from the United States is currently in India engaging in discussions regarding the acquisition of MQ-9B drones by the armed forces. The deal, estimated at $3.9 billion, has not been finalized as talks on technology sharing are still ongoing. Sources reveal that a team from General Atomics is in the capital for negotiations on the purchase of 31 drones, with 15 designated for maritime roles. Key Points
Economic TimesHouthis attack two US warships in Red Sea with naval missiles, drones
Yemen's Houthi militants targeted two US warship destroyers in the Red Sea. The attacks involved naval missiles and drones. Key Points
India TodayIG drones eyes aggressive defence foray
The company is planning to launch a manufacturing facility at Vadodara airspace facility by June and will commence with a 30% capacity. The company will reach 100% capacity output of 1,000 drones within a year of the launch. Key Points
mintNavy gets its first India-made drones from Adani Defence
The Indian Navy has received its first domestically produced medium altitude long endurance drones, called Drishti 10 Starliner unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as Elbit Hermes 900. The Adani Group, in partnership with Israel's Elbit Systems, has manufactured the drones at their Hyderabad facility, which is being expanded to become a manufacturing hub for missiles and UAVs. Key Points
Economic Times
Navy gets its first MALE drone made by Adani as Army awaits next, larger order in play
First MALE drone will fly to Porbandar. Navy chief says will add to credibility of ISR missions in Indian Ocean. Key Points
ThePrintAnduril’s New Drone Killer Is Locked on to AI-Powered Warfare
Autonomous drones are rapidly changing combat. Anduril’s new one aims to gain an edge with jet power and AI. Key Points
WIREDIndia, US looking at finalising MQ-9B Predator drone deal by early next year
India is set to finalise a deal to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator armed drones from the US under a government-to-government framework by March. The US Congress is expected to clear the supplies in the next few weeks. The drones are being procured to enhance the surveillance apparatus of the armed forces, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The procurement is estimated to cost around USD 3 billion. Key Points
Economic TimesIndian Army plans to deploy 500 drones to replace mules, helicopters in some areas
These drones will replace mules and helicopters for delivering medicines and essential items to remote Border Observation Posts (BOPs). Equipped with proximity sensors and a guided navigation system, the drones can carry 15kg to 20kg of supplies and travel up to 20 km round trip at an altitude of 1km. Key Points
Economic TimesUkraine reports 'massive' Russian drone attack
Russia launched 40 drones overnight in a massive attack on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure but over half of them were downed, officials said on Friday. Russia's defence ministry said overnight it shot down two Ukrainian drones over its Belgorod region, which borders Ukraine. Key Points
Economic Times
Fox Sports breaks new ground with drones in World Series coverage
The introduction of drones will offer viewers a unique perspective on the game. In addition to the typical ground-level shots of runners sliding into bases, fans will now get to see players from aerial viewpoints. Although this may not always capture the most thrilling moments, it's just the beginning for UAVs in the World Series, and their potential is bound to grow. Key Points
Economic TimesIndia ramps up border drone defense after Hamas attack on Israel
India is bolstering its border security by establishing a comprehensive surveillance system using drones to deter surprise attacks, similar to those experienced in Israel by Hamas. Defense officials in India recently met with six domestic drone surveillance vendors, and an official announcement is expected next month, with implementation in some border areas as early as May. This initiative is a response to ongoing tensions with neighboring China and Pakistan, particularly in the Himalayan region. Key Points
Economic TimesManchester University claims huge drone record
The Giant Foamboard Quadcopter is a cardboard-like uncrewed drone measuring 6.4m corner to corner. Key Points
BBC NewsThe robot aircraft with a nightmarish nuclear mission
The atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll in 1946 were too dangerous for conventional aircraft to observe. Pioneering remote-controlled drones, however, were a perfect match. Key Points
BBCThis New Autonomous Drone for Cops Can Track You In the Dark
Startup Skydio says its powerful new drone for public safety can reduce the need for high-speed chases. Civil liberties groups warn that few rules govern police use of drones. Key Points
WIRED
Average cost offered by US for MQ-9B drones 27 per cent less for India, negotiations yet to begin: Sources
Sixteen of these drones purchased by the US cost it USD 69 each but it was only a green aircraft without sensors, weapons and certification. Features like censors, weapons and payloads make up for 60-70 per cent of the total cost, he said, adding that even the US acquired five of them at USD 119 million each. Key Points
Economic TimesExclusive: Navy chief says Predator drones will strengthen defence forces
Indian Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar told India Today that Predator drones would strengthen defense forces. He said in combat situations, these drones can be utilised for detecting, tracking, and even targeting. Key Points
India TodayUS Predator drones to be deployed across borders with China, Pakistan
India will deploy 31 Predator drones to conduct surveillance across three major hubs, including borders with China and Pakistan, and the vast maritime zone. The General Atomics MQ-9 'Reaper' armed drones will be operated jointly by the three services. Key Points
mintDrone attack on Kremlin to ‘assassinate’ Putin likely launched from inside Russia, experts say
Russia, on Wednesday, claimed that Ukraine had attacked the Kremlin in Moscow with drones meant to assassinate President Vladimir Putin. Denying any role in the attack on the Kremlin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's press secretary said they have no information about the "so-called night attacks on the Kremlin". Key Points
India TodayFlying tractors a window into future of farming
Farmers have been using drones over the past 20 years mainly for aerial imaging - scanning farms from the sky with cameras to map where crops are thriving and failing. Now drones are being designed for hands-on crop management. Key Points
Economic Times
Garuda Aerospace crosses halfway mark of Drone Yatra 2.0 initiative
Indian drone manufacturer Garuda Aerospace has received orders for 6,000 kisan drones, crossing the halfway mark in the Drone Yatra 2.0 initiative. The scheme was launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2022, aimed at demonstrating the efficacy of drones for various agricultural processes and promoting their benefits to farmers around the country. The initiative has covered 388 districts and a distance of 1.92 lakh kilometres across seven Indian states. Garuda Aerospace declared it had signed 357 dealerships and distributed a total of 6,398 drones via 292 purchase orders. Key Points
Economic TimesVictory Day Parade: North Korea's Kim Jong Un showcases new arsenal; underwater nuclear attack drone and s
North Korea's recent drone showcase, featuring drones resembling U.S. models, raises security concerns. Its developing drone capabilities for surveillance and combat purposes necessitate international cooperation and diplomatic efforts to address potential risks and ensure regional stability. Key Points
Economic TimesUS approves sale of 31 MQ-9B armed drones to India for nearly $4 billion
The proposed mega drone deal was announced during the historic US visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi here in June 2023. The acquisition will bolster India’s capability to meet current and future threats by enabling unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols in sea lanes of operation. Key Points
India TodayShot down 32 Ukrainian drones, says Russia
Drones were seen in the skies over Russia's Moscow, Bryansk, Oryol, and Kursk regions, the country's defense ministry said in a statement. It said that all of the drones had been destroyed by air defenses. Key Points
Economic TimesCabinet approves providing 15,000 drones to women Self Help Groups
In a significant move aimed at empowering women across the country, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, granted approval on Wednesday for a pioneering scheme. Under this initiative, the central government will distribute drones to an impressive 15,000 Women's Self Help Groups (SHGs) over the next four years. Key Points
Economic Times
Russia says it intercepted 35 Ukrainian drones
Air defences downed 33 drones overnight in Russia's Lipetsk, Rostov and Volgograd regions, the Defence Ministry in Moscow said on its Telegram channel. It later reported that two drones had been destroyed in the Volgograd region on Sunday morning. Russian news services cited governors of the Lipetsk and Volgograd regions as saying there were no casualties or damage. Key Points
Economic Times