World · India Bureau
CRPF to acquire armed drones for counter-insurgency operations
India's Central Reserve Police Force is moving forward with procurement of armed unmanned aerial systems designed to support anti-insurgency operations in challenging terrain. The proposed systems will feature extended range and endurance capabilities along with precision strike capacity.
LSN India ·
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is set to acquire armed drones equipped with high-explosive warheads to enhance its counter-insurgency capabilities, according to procurement specifications being finalized by the paramilitary force.
The unmanned systems are designed to meet operational requirements in remote and difficult-to-access regions where insurgent groups operate. According to the technical requirements, the drones will feature a minimum operational range of 15 kilometers, enabling deployment from forward positions while maintaining safe distances from operational zones.
The systems are specified to maintain a flight endurance of at least 30 minutes per sortie, allowing extended surveillance and strike capabilities. Each unit will be equipped with two high-explosive warheads, providing operational flexibility for targeted missions.
The acquisition represents the CRPF's effort to modernize its counter-insurgency toolkit as security challenges persist in regions including Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast. Armed drone systems have increasingly become integral to modern military and paramilitary operations across South Asia, offering precision and reduced collateral risk compared to conventional air support.
The procurement process is expected to move through standard defense acquisition protocols in the coming months.