ISLAMABAD: The Indian Army has completed the raising of 380 specialistdrone platoons designated as Aerial Surveillance and High NeutralisationInfantry (ASHNI), marking a major expansion of unmanned aerial capabilitiesat the tactical level.
Each infantry battalion across the army now fields a dedicated ASHNIplatoon comprising 20 to 25 soldiers exclusively trained in operating miniunmanned aerial systems for both surveillance and precision strike missions.
The ASHNI programme, initiated in 2022, aims to integrate drone technologydirectly into ground formations rather than retaining it under separatecorps-level units, enabling faster battlefield response and real-timeintelligence gathering.
Training focuses on micro and mini drones capable of loitering munitions,swarm operations, and electronic warfare resistance, with soldiersundergoing specialised courses at the College of Military Engineering inPune and other designated centres.
Military sources indicate that the platoons have already been equipped withindigenously developed systems including the Nagastra-1 loitering munitionand several surveillance drones produced under the Atmanirbhar Bharatinitiatives.
The development allows Indian battalions along the Line of Control and Lineof Actual Control to conduct independent drone operations without relyingon artillery or air force support for routine reconnaissance and targetedstrikes.
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Defence analysts view the widespread deployment of ASHNI units as aresponse to evolving threats from drone warfare demonstrated in recentglobal conflicts and along contested borders.
The full operational integration of these 380 platoons is expected tosignificantly enhance the Indian Army’s ability to dominate thesub-conventional and grey-zone battlefield environment.
Source:www.thehindu.com/news/national/indian-army-raises-380-specialist-drone-platoons/article68823456.ece”>https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indian-army-raises-380-specialist-drone-platoons/article68823456.ece
Source:https://idrw.org/indian-army-completes-raising-of-380-ashni-drone-platoons