The Indian Army is planning to significantly bolster its firepower with the induction of long-range suicide drones and an extended range of rockets, drawing lessons from recent global conflicts like the Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas offensive in Gaza. Lieutenant General Adosh Kumar, Director General of Artillery, confirmed these developments on Friday, highlighting the Army’s ongoing modernization efforts to strengthen its strategic capabilities.
Lt Gen Adosh Kumar stated that the Army is in the process of acquiring long-range loitering munitions, with equipment trials currently underway under the Mark 3 process. These loitering munitions, commonly referred to as suicide drones, are designed to hover over targets before engaging in precision strikes. Their induction is expected to enhance the Army’s precision strike capabilities.
Additionally, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working on extending the range of the Pinaka rocket system. Currently, the Pinaka Mark-I has a maximum range of 40 kilometers, while the Pinaka Mark-II can strike targets up to 90 kilometers away. Plans are in place to develop an advanced version with a range of 300 kilometers, significantly increasing the Army’s artillery reach.
Lt Gen Adosh Kumar also revealed that the DRDO has been tasked with developing hypersonic missiles, a key strategic asset for India’s defense forces. The Army has already received clearance from the Defence Acquisition Council to induct the 2,000 km range Nirbhay cruise missile and the 400 km range Pralay ballistic missile. These missiles are expected to add considerable firepower to the Army’s arsenal, boosting its long-range strike capabilities.
Speaking about the ongoing missile development program, Lt Gen Adosh Kumar said, “Our missile program is progressing well at the desired pace, with research and development being carried out by DRDO to enhance the range, accuracy, and lethality of both ballistic and cruise missiles.” He also emphasized the success of the Pinaka system, calling it a hallmark of India’s self-reliance in defense production under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. More regiments equipped with the Pinaka system are being inducted into service.
The Indian Army is also exploring advanced munitions technologies such as Sensor Fuzed Munition (SFM), extended range ammunition using Ramjet technology, and Course Correctable Fuze (CCF), collaborating closely with both private and public sector industries for development.
In terms of intelligence and battlefield transparency, the Army is focusing on enhancing its surveillance and reconnaissance architecture, including the procurement of loiter munitions, swarm drones, and runway-independent remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS).
Furthermore, Lt Gen Adosh Kumar addressed the training of Agniveers, the modernized infrastructure for physical training, and the Army’s commitment to integrating operational realities into its training programs. He also proudly noted that 19 women officers have been commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery, and all have been assigned to units operating in diverse terrain and equipment profiles.
Drawing from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Lt Gen Adosh Kumar acknowledged that numerous lessons have emerged, and these are being carefully considered in the Army’s modernization efforts.
