India mulls unified drone force and not silos in its wings
A proposal from the Indian Air Force (IAF) Training Command remains with the Air Headquarters. This proposal is about a separate cadre of UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) or drones. But still, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that creating another silo is not the correct way forward.
Sitharaman also said that discussions were on about having a unified drone force. Threat perceptions and anticipated future warfare scenarios have changed a lot. The IAF has been actively supporting the creation of a separate cadre for UAVs. This includes combat UAVs, missiles, air defence and other weapon systems. This proposal was sent to the IAF Training Command headquarters in Bangalore.
The proposal recommends a role-specific cadre. It ensures that candidates will be selected for these specific cadres. This will also increase the career options for aspirants.
Previously, since 2000, all remote controlled vehicles implemented in the IAF were initiated the Training Command. The Defence Minister added, “That said, creating another silo is not the way forward, it will only create another structure and more procedure. Of course personnel from all three wings will be given specific timing for drones, but the way forward, as we have been discussing, is to have a joint force that will draw personnel from all three wings”.
A senior official added, “This will be a role-specific cadre, so that the officers are trained for a specific role from the word go”. Presently, the IAF fighter pilots are diverted to operate the drones.
The decision seems to be a correct one as most developing countries are opting for a drone force. This will definitely boost the defence systems of the country and help unify them under a single banner.
