Indian Army
India's land force, about 1.25 million active troops; raising drone-strike regiments and batteries.
The Indian Army stands to receive long-range kamikaze drones, surveillance drones and tank-protecting counter-drone systems under proposals that India's Defence Acquisition Council cleared on 26 October 2026.
Last refreshed: 26 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
How is the Indian Army rebuilding itself around drones?
Timeline for Indian Army
Gained approval for kamikaze and counter-drone systems
Drones: Industry & Defence: India clears buys of kamikaze dronesBackground
Of the roughly Rs 2.12 lakh crore cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council on 26 October 2026, the Indian Army's portion covers counter-drone systems mounted on platforms to guard its tanks, kamikaze drones with long range, more surveillance drones and combined systems that both watch and strike. Very short-range air defence and new guns are also on its list.
Established as the British Indian Army on 1 April 1895 and in its current form since 26 January 1950, the Army has about 1.25 million active personnel and is headquartered in New Delhi. In July 2025 its chief, General Upendra Dwivedi, unveiled new formations including Shaktibaan drone-artillery regiments and Divyastra batteries of loitering munitions and swarm drones.
The October approvals fund equipment for that drone-heavy force. Approval is the first step only: an Acceptance of Necessity starts procurement but places no contract, and each item still needs bids, trials and price talks.
What drones is the Indian Army buying?
What are the Indian Army's Shaktibaan regiments?
How big is the Indian Army?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 26 October 2026. Editorial standards.