Indian Army Procures 225 High-Altitude FPV Drones to Boost Himalayan Warfare Capabilities

The Indian Army has placed an order for 225 First-Person View (FPV) drones from Gurugram-based Aerodrone Robotics Pvt Ltd after a competitive evaluation process and extensive field trials conducted at altitudes of up to 17,500 feet. The procurement marks another step in the Army’s modernisation drive, aimed at strengthening operational capabilities in challenging environments along India’s northern and western borders.

The drones underwent testing to assess their endurance, speed, accuracy and overall battlefield performance. The trials were conducted in terrain resembling the conditions faced by Indian troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan. The ability to function reliably at extreme altitudes is particularly important for soldiers deployed in the Himalayas, where troops routinely operate between 12,000 feet and more than 18,000 feet, including in the Siachen Glacier region.

In these remote and difficult locations, drones can support frontline operations while reducing dependence on soldiers, pack animals and helicopters for certain essential tasks. The Indian Army is developing a layered unmanned warfare capability, ranging from small tactical formations such as Ashni platoons to larger Battlefield Air Support battalions. FPV drones are expected to contribute to surveillance, logistical support and the rapid delivery of essential supplies to forward positions, potentially reducing the need for costly helicopter sorties that can be disrupted by adverse weather.

Operating drones in the Himalayas presents significant technical challenges. At elevations of around 15,000 feet, air density can be 40 to 50 per cent lower than at sea level, reducing the lift and thrust produced by propellers. This can affect a drone’s stability, payload capacity and overall flight performance. Manufacturers must carefully balance propeller design, motor specifications and power consumption to ensure reliable operation in thin air.

Cold weather creates additional difficulties for drone operators. Lithium-based batteries become less efficient in freezing temperatures, leading to voltage drops and reduced flight times. Depending on the drone’s design and operating conditions, a platform capable of flying for approximately six minutes at sea level may manage only two to three minutes at extreme altitude. Battery insulation and pre-heating can help maintain performance, while effective thermal management is necessary to prevent motors from overheating under demanding operating conditions.

Communication reliability is another major concern in mountainous terrain. Steep slopes, deep valleys and mountain ridges can obstruct radio signals, interrupting control links and live video feeds. Radio-frequency interference can further complicate operations, making reliable communication systems essential for drones deployed in high-altitude environments.

To assess these challenges under realistic conditions, the Indian Army has conducted trials with domestic drone manufacturers in regions such as Ladakh and the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh. These exercises have helped evaluate drone performance in difficult terrain and identify platforms suitable for military applications. The assessments covered both logistics and FPV drone categories, providing insights into operational strengths as well as areas requiring further technological improvements.

The growing importance of unmanned aerial systems has become increasingly evident in modern conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine and conflicts involving Israel. Drones have demonstrated their usefulness in surveillance, logistics, precision strikes and battlefield communications. Their adaptability and relatively low operating costs have encouraged military forces worldwide to expand their unmanned capabilities and explore new applications.

Aerodrone Robotics, which specialises in military unmanned aerial systems, will supply the drones under the contract. The company develops platforms for combat, surveillance and logistical operations and also provides operator training and technical support. According to the company, its systems are designed for military use and incorporate internally developed software, allowing greater control over configurations and adaptations to specific operational requirements.

The procurement of 225 FPV drones reflects the Indian Army’s growing emphasis on technology-driven operations and the need to equip troops for increasingly complex battlefield environments. By expanding the use of indigenous, field-tested drone systems, the Army aims to improve operational flexibility and support personnel deployed in some of the world’s most demanding high-altitude locations. The order also aligns with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which seeks to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing and reduce dependence on imported military technologies.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.