The Next India-Pakistan Conflict Will Be Won by Drone Killers

 

The ability to defeat drones is increasingly proving to be more important than the ability to field them. That is perhaps the most important lesson emerging from the wars in Ukraine and Iran—a lesson Indian military planners need to factor into preparations for the inevitable next conflict across our western border.

According to General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, most Russian Shahed drones and other aerial attack systems neutralized by Ukrainian forces are now being brought down by interceptor drones.

Not helicopter gunships, armed light trainers, directed-energy weapons (DEWs), low-cost air-defence missiles, or specialised anti-aircraft guns firing programmable airburst ammunition. No—just interceptor drones.

Operationally effective interceptor drones have been around for more than a year. It is time DRDO took note of them.

Interceptor drones are optimised for low cost and typically destroy their targets by ramming them. Some variants employ a small warhead to increase the probability of a successful interception.

Currently, the three most prominent interceptor drones operating in Ukraine are:

* Sting (Ukraine) * Merops AS-3 Surveyor (United States) * Yolka (Russia)

In the following sections, we examine their features, capabilities, and key differentiators.

FPV Interceptor Drones

Interceptor drones were initially FPV (First-Person View) drones that relied on real-time radio control and live video feeds.

Using RF sensors, it is possible to detect the communication link between a drone and its operator, allowing triangulation and pinpointing of the operator's location. The control link can also be jammed or spoofed using electronic warfare (EW) systems.

FPV drone operators face significant danger because they must remain relatively close to the front line to maintain a strong signal. This exposes them to artillery fire, snipers, counter-drone attacks, and detection through radio-frequency triangulation.

Russian forces exploit this vulnerability by pairing Geran-2 drones. If an FPV interceptor is launched against one Geran-2, the second drone can use onboard sensors to locate the operator and attack immediately.

Ukraine's Sting Interceptor Drone

The most successful Ukrainian-developed interceptor drone currently in service is the Sting. The low-cost drone (approximately $2,000–2,100) uses a quadcopter architecture and features a 3D-printed aerodynamic airframe shaped like a bullet.

The Sting is capable of speeds of approximately 280–343 km/h. It is designed primarily as a kinetic interceptor, with the operator steering it directly into the target. Guidance is provided through day and thermal cameras, with possible sensor fusion from radar systems.

Ukraine began employing the Sting in combat during the spring of 2025, with widespread deployment by June 2025. The first publicly documented success occurred in April 2025 when footage of a Sting downing a Shahed-type drone went viral.

Sting Interceptor Drone Photo: The Telegraph

Perhaps the most remarkable feature of the Sting is its ability to be operated remotely from hundreds or even thousands of kilometres away.

Like other FPV drones, the Sting maintains a line-of-sight link to a forward control station. However, this forward station functions primarily as a relay node, connecting the drone to its pilot via Starlink's low-latency internet network. As a result, the pilot can be located virtually anywhere in the world.

Ukrainian operators typically control the drone from hardened shelters. The architecture also allows Sting drones to be launched from unmanned surface vessels (USVs).

Autonomous Interceptor Drones

The next generation of interceptor drones is being designed to operate autonomously using AI-powered machine vision, both during the day and at night.

These drones can independently detect, track, and engage targets without continuous human involvement. As a result, they do not require a vulnerable control channel that can be jammed or spoofed.

In effect, they are launch-and-scoot weapons that remove the operator from the battlefield and significantly reduce operational risk.

Russian Yolka Drone

Russian forces began operational deployment of the autonomous Yolka interceptor drone in early 2026.

The Yolka can be hand-launched, enabling widespread and highly distributed deployment. Once launched in the direction of a target, it operates autonomously.

Weighing approximately 1.3 kg, the Yolka is also based on a quadcopter architecture similar to the Sting. It can reach speeds of 200–250 km/h and operate at altitudes of up to 2 km.

Yolka vs Sting

The Yolka is significantly lighter and cheaper than the Sting, with an estimated cost of roughly $500 compared to the Sting's $2,000-plus price tag.

However, these savings come with trade-offs. The Yolka's range is limited to approximately 2.5–4 km, compared with the Sting's estimated 25–37 km range. It is also slower than its Ukrainian counterpart.

Merops AS-3 Surveyor

In addition to the Sting, Ukrainian forces are employing the American-made Merops AS-3 Surveyor, a sophisticated but significantly more expensive interceptor system.

Unlike the Sting and Yolka, the AS-3 requires catapult launch, reducing deployment flexibility. However, its conventional fixed-wing airframe enables much higher aerodynamic efficiency and speed.

The truck-portable counter-drone system consists of:

* Radar and electro-optical sensors for target detection and tracking * A command-and-control station * Pneumatic or mobile launch platforms * A fleet of Surveyor interceptor drones

The AS-3 derives its effectiveness from a combination of AI-enabled autonomy, high speed, and resistance to jamming.

After launch, the drone is initially guided using the sensors of the Merops system. During the terminal phase, it relies on onboard infrared and RF sensors combined with AI-powered machine vision.

The drone can continue homing in on its target even when satellite navigation and communication signals are jammed.

AI-powered machine vision, combined with the fusion of infrared and RF sensor inputs, is central to the Surveyor's effectiveness.

With a maximum speed of approximately 280 km/h, the AS-3 is capable of overtaking Russian Geran drones.

The current unit cost is estimated at around $15,000, although this is expected to fall below $10,000 as production scales.

Quadcopter vs Fixed-Wing Interceptors

The Sting and Yolka are quadcopter drones. They are simpler and cheaper to manufacture but are aerodynamically less efficient because they lack wings to generate lift and glide efficiently through the air.

Consequently, quadcopters are not optimised for sustained high-speed flight.

To intercept faster fixed-wing drones, quadcopter interceptors often position themselves above the incoming target. At the appropriate moment, they dive, converting altitude into speed and enabling a successful interception.

Future Developments

Interceptor-drone development is currently focused on increasing speed through the adoption of fixed-wing designs such as the AS-3 Surveyor.

Reusability is another area receiving considerable attention.

Fixed-wing drones can achieve higher speeds in level flight and generally manoeuvre more efficiently during the terminal interception phase.

Russian forces have already begun mass deployment of fixed-wing interceptor drones, including a dedicated air-defence variant of the Molniya family known as the Molniya-PVO. The drone is reported to be capable of speeds between 220 and 330 km/h.

Like the Yolka, the Molniya can be hand-launched. Alternatively, it can be launched using a lightweight catapult.

Conclusion

Ukraine seized an early lead in interceptor-drone technology with the Sting. Russia has largely closed the gap with the rapidly evolving Yolka and is now introducing fixed-wing interceptors such as the Molniya-PVO.

One important point stands out. Starlink has given Ukrainian forces a low-latency communications advantage that Russia is unlikely to match for several years.

There is another lesson for Indian defence planners. Rapid advances in drone autonomy are being driven by access to high-performance AI semiconductors and resilient communications networks.

India remains a long way from sovereign access to either low-latency broadband networks comparable to Starlink or the cutting-edge AI chips needed to support the next generation of autonomous combat systems.

MQ-9B LoyalEye: The Rise of Unmanned Airborne Early Warning

 

MQ-9B LoyalEye AEW maiden flight

GA-ASI and SAAB are collaborating to develop a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA)-based airborne early warning (AEW) platform.

GA-ASI is equipping its MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) with Saab-developed LoyalEye radar sensor to create a low-cost platform that will complement manned AEW platforms.

On May 19, GA-ASI flew its MQ-9B for the first time with two Airborne Early Warning (AEW) pods that will eventually carry the fixed antennas of the LoyalEye radar, providing persistent and cost-effective air surveillance.

In the past, SAAB has developed two AEW&C platforms — the Saab 340 Erieye and its successor, the Saab GlobalEye. The Erieye is mounted on the Saab 340 twin-turboprop regional airliner, while the GlobalEye is mounted on the Bombardier Global 6000/6500 ultra-long-range business jet. Both feature AESA radars with fixed antennas.

This MQ-9B maiden flight marks the start of a several-month test-and-evaluation phase, which will culminate in a full-capability demonstration later this year.

The joint AEW offering from Saab and GA-ASI will support a wide range of applications, including early detection and warning, long-range detection and tracking, and the simultaneous tracking of multiple targets. The system will operate both beyond line of sight and via satellite communication (SATCOM) connectivity.

The platform will facilitate defence against tactical air munitions, guided missiles, drones, fighter and bomber aircraft, and other threats.

Using an RPA instead of a manned platform for AEW has some unique advantages, including:

1. High loiter time
2. Aircrews are not put in harm's way
3. Lower acquisition cost
4. Lower operating cost

Loiter time could possibly extend to nearly 40 hours, compared with the approximately 8–11 hours achievable by manned aircraft.

Aircrew and radar operators would be positioned on the ground rather than on the airborne platform. The arrangement is not just safer; it is also cost-effective. Aircrew, radar consoles, and control systems do not remain platform-specific.

The estimated price of the MQ-9B LoyalEye will reportedly be in the $60–80 million range.

The operating cost of an RPA platform would be significantly lower than that of a manned platform.

China's WZ-9 Divine Eagle

China has been actively pursuing remotely piloted airborne early warning (AEW) capability.

Its Shenyang WZ-9 "Divine Eagle" is a high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE), jet-powered UAV designed specifically for AEW and counter-stealth roles.

The twin-boom platform, featuring high-aspect-ratio main wings and a forward canard-style horizontal stabilizer, is powered by a single WZ-9 turbofan engine.

However, the Divine Eagle differs conceptually from the MQ-9B AEW.

The 15-tonne Divine Eagle is believed to be the largest UAV ever built. It is estimated to be roughly 15 m long, with a 45 m wingspan, offers approximately 35 hours of endurance, and has a service ceiling of about 25 km (82,000 ft).

Chinese media suggest that the UAV will be used for a variety of missions, including early warning, targeting, electronic warfare (EW), and satellite communications.

Implications for India

The possibility of Pakistan acquiring an MQ-9B AEW analogue in the future should worry Indian defence planners. The platform is relatively inexpensive but likely capable.

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) already operates the Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning & Control) platform. An export variant of the Saab 340 Erieye, the Saab 2000 Erieye uses the Saab 2000 twin-turboprop regional airliner.

The PAF is one of the largest operators of the platform, with nine aircraft in service as of mid-2026.

It could be possible for Saab to supply the MQ-9B AEW itself or, if the US would not allow it, fit the LoyalEye radar to an alternative MALE platform such as the Bayraktar Akinci.

The lighter payload capability of the Akinci (1,500 kg), compared with that of the MQ-9B (2,500 kg), would make the fit tight once fuel, sensors, and weapons are factored in. However, the Akinci's twin turboprops (up to 2 × 850 hp) likely offer comparable or greater electrical capacity and redundancy.

Not Just for Export: Russia Advances the Su-75 for Its Own Air Force

 

Su-75 Prototype? at Zhukovsky

Vadim Badekha, General Director of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), told TASS on June 2, "The work on Checkmate is already at the stage of building a prototype."

According to Badekha, Russia is developing the medium-weight fifth-generation fighter both for use by Russian forces and for international customers.

Badekha noted that the single-engine Checkmate has a cost advantage over heavy twin-engine fighters such as the Su-57.

Earlier, in January, the Izvestia newspaper reported that the first flight of the Russian fifth-generation Su-75 single-engine fighter could take place in 2026.

On November 18, 2025, during an interview on Russia's state-run Channel One television station, Sukhoi chief test pilot Sergei Bogdan stated that the first flight of the Su-75 would take place in 2026.

"The aircraft is already on the shop floor, it is already being finalized, and there are already certain timelines. Therefore, with God's help, it should take place soon enough."

Su-75 Journey So Far

Russia's Sukhoi company first unveiled the company-funded, low-observable (LO), supermaneuverable, optionally manned, single-engine, lightweight (18-tonne), Mach 2 fighter at MAKS 2021.

The Checkmate was reportedly developed based on an analysis of the use of strike aircraft in Syria, which revealed that, for most tasks, the capabilities of heavy twin-engine aircraft are excessive.

The aircraft is reportedly being developed using digital-twin technology, reducing development time by five years.

The USPs of the fighter, designed using electronic modelling, include:

1. Low acquisition and operating costs
2. AI assistance for single-pilot operations
3. Ease of maintenance

Timeline Slippages Due to Redesign

On the eve of Dubai Airshow 2023, Rostec told RIA Novosti that preparations had begun in Russia for the production of the first examples of the light stealth fighter.

As per the timeline announced at Dubai Airshow 2021, the first prototype of the aircraft was expected to fly by the end of 2023.

A statement released by Rostec's press service explained that the timeline had slipped to accommodate design changes. The redesign, it said, "has significantly increased the competitiveness and commercial attractiveness of the domestic single-engine aircraft and reduced the technical risks of its development."

First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Defence and Security Committee, Viktor Bondarev, confirmed that, following the redesign, the documentation for the Checkmate fighter had been transferred to the manufacturing plant and preparations for the production of the first examples had begun.

"The pilot batch of Checkmate fighters is planned to be produced in 2026," he said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov said: "I can say that over these two years we have collected requests, including making certain adjustments to the project so that it is maximally adapted to the requirements of customers interested in a single-engine aircraft. This applies to the layout, control systems, and aviation weapons. A great deal of work was done on the basis of the Checkmate originally presented here."

In February 2024, Rostec stated in a statement to TASS: "Under the Checkmate program, the United Aircraft Corporation of Rostec received feedback from potential customers. In addition to collecting additional requirements expressed by potential buyers, work was also carried out to optimize costs and analyze individual technical solutions. This made it possible to significantly increase competitiveness and commercial attractiveness, while also reducing technical risks in the creation of a domestic single-engine aircraft."

Su-75 at Zhuhai

Prototype Development

In February 2025, Russian media reported that KnAAZ (Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant named after Y.A. Gagarin) planned to assemble two prototypes of the Su-75 Checkmate light tactical aircraft (LTA), one for static testing and one for flight testing.

Three Variants

At Dubai Airshow 2025, as if to reiterate its commitment to the Su-75 project despite the war in Ukraine and unconfirmed interest from potential foreign customers, Sukhoi unveiled a model of an unmanned variant of the fighter alongside the model of the manned variant.

The unmanned variant featured a reworked wing and a revised rear fuselage.

As of now, the Su-75 is proposed in three variants: single-seat, twin-seat, and unmanned.

In the past, Russian media, quoting the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC), reported that Russia and Belarus were working together on the Checkmate project.

The approximate cost of the Checkmate has been estimated at $30 million. For comparison, the basic version of the F-35 costs $80 million or more.

Indian Interest?

In February 2026, responding to a query from TASS, a HAL official said the company was ready to work with Russia to produce new warplane models.

"We are very comfortable working with Russia. There are no problems on our part," said the HAL representative.

In the past, HAL collaborated with Russian aircraft manufacturers to assemble and locally produce fighter aircraft for the IAF, including the MiG-21, MiG-27, and Su-30MKI. However, joint development had never previously been considered.

Joint development offers the advantage of Indian ownership. Beyond securing IPR for the weapon system and fostering self-reliance, it ensures that projects are not subject to import restrictions arising from sanctions.

However, it may now be too late for HAL to participate in the design and initial production of the aircraft. The design is frozen and Russian officials have confirmed that the initial batch of Su-75 fighters will be manufactured in Russia to meet the requirement of Russian forces. 

The Su-75 Checkmate Option

The TASS report was non-specific in nature, but it may have alluded to a specific project such as the development of the Su-75 stealth fighter. Russia has previously indicated that it is open to joint-venture production of the Su-75 in a partner country. Such a venture would align perfectly with India's Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

Alongside helping to plug the emerging stealth gap, local manufacture of the Su-75 in India could generate billions of dollars in export revenue, much like the BrahMos missile program and potentially the Su-30MKI modernization program.

India's manufacture of the Su-75 would in no way compromise the AMCA program. The AMCA is a twin-engine medium-weight stealth fighter, whereas the Su-75 is a single-engine lightweight stealth fighter. The two serve distinct operational roles. A single-engine fighter is cheaper to acquire and operate, and the Su-75 would remain relevant to the IAF's requirements well beyond the induction of the AMCA.

India Cannot Win Tomorrow’s Wars With Yesterday’s Technologies

 

AI conceptualisation of a AI powered drone attacking a supply truck

The US currently leads the world in two critical military technologies — satellite-based low-latency internet and AI. The former gives its weapons global reach, while the latter provides unprecedented accuracy. Together, they could enable the US to maintain its military dominance across the world for decades.

In a low-key manner, the US is already flexing its Starlink-based global reach and AI-powered accuracy through the drones it is supplying to Ukraine.

Perennial Autonomy, a company founded by Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, has developed two drones that have put Russian forces on the back foot — the Merops Surveyor interceptor drone and the Hornet kamikaze drone. The Surveyor interceptor uses AI to bring down Russian drones, while the Hornet drone uses both Starlink and AI to wreak havoc on Russia's ability to supply its troops along the front line.

Merops AS-3 Surveyor

The Merops AS-3 Surveyor is a mobile, truck-portable counter-drone system comprising:

1. Radar and electro-optical sensors for detection and tracking
2. A ground control/command station
3. Pneumatic or mobile launch platforms
4. A fleet of Surveyor interceptor drones

The fixed-wing Surveyor interceptor was first combat-tested in Ukraine around June 2024. By late 2025, it had reportedly achieved over 1,900 intercepts. In some sectors, it is claimed to have brought down roughly 40% of Russian Geran drones. Recent reports claim 4,000 successful Russian drone interceptions.

The Surveyor is an effective interceptor on account of its greater AI-based autonomy, speed, and jam resistance. Following launch, the drone is cued and initially guided using the sensors of the Merops system. For terminal guidance, it uses onboard IR and RF sensors, as well as AI-based machine vision. It can home in on targets even when SATNAV and communication signals are jammed.

AI-based machine vision and the ability to fuse inputs from IR and RF sensors are key to the success of the Surveyor.

With its maximum speed of 280 km/h, the drone outpaces Russian Gerans.

Hornet Strike Drone

The Hornet drone can be credited with bringing the Russian offensive in Donbas to a crawl along the line of contact, and even to a complete halt in some sectors. Ukraine is also using the drone to strangulate Russia's ability to supply Crimea.

As with the Surveyor, the Hornet's success can largely be attributed to its AI-powered ability to operate effectively in the absence of SATNAV and communications.

We covered the capabilities of the Merops Surveyor and Hornet drones in an earlier post.

AI-Based Machine Vision

So far, SATNAV has been the gold standard in the precision guidance of drones, missiles, and rockets. AI-powered machine-vision-based navigation outperforms SATNAV in accuracy. More importantly, it is completely immune to electronic warfare.

However, machine vision can be spoofed — for example, by using paint schemes that make optical recognition challenging.

With increased onboard processing power, it will become difficult, perhaps impossible, to spoof AI-powered machine vision.

Global Reach

The ability to control drones and missiles capable of precision guidance globally requires a Starlink-like network. Currently, there is no alternative to Starlink.

Outplaying Emerging Powers

In the days ahead, many nations, including India, will build weapons with AI-powered machine vision. However, doing so without acquiring matching semiconductor fabrication and design capability would not allow them to exercise sovereignty over their own weapons.

Semiconductor fabrication and design technologies are likely to be tightly controlled in order to prevent challenges to US military dominance.

As an analogy, a nation with nuclear weapons technology does not share it with a nation that lacks the technology. Indeed, nations that possess nuclear weapons do their best to prevent the "have-nots" from acquiring weapons-grade fissile material.

The ability to manufacture fissile material, a key enabling technology for nuclear weapons, is tightly controlled.

Similarly, robust space-launch capability, as well as the semiconductor fabrication and design capability needed to deploy a Starlink analogue or facilitate advanced machine vision, will be tightly controlled.

The technological barriers to acquiring these capabilities are formidable. The hurdles span multiple years — perhaps multiple decades — and are rooted in physics, engineering complexity, supply chains, and capital intensity.

A low-latency global or regional broadband constellation requires thousands of satellites (Starlink has over 10,000) in low Earth orbit (LEO, ~550 km altitude), inter-satellite laser links, high-volume satellite manufacturing, and millions of user terminals with electronically steered phased-array antennas.

The number of satellites required can vary based on the architecture of the network and its intended extent of coverage. However, a true Starlink analogue would require the development of a reusable launcher.

China, the EU, and Russia have all embarked on deploying Starlink analogues, but all three have so far made limited progress. Countries like India are unlikely to be in a position to acquire such a capability over the next decade.

User Terminals

Low-latency networks use terminals featuring custom ASICs and advanced RF front-end modules (e.g., BiCMOS technology) for phased-array antennas that track fast-moving LEO satellites.

Starlink has already deployed millions of such terminals. STMicroelectronics has shipped over 5 billion RF chips for the terminals, with daily rates exceeding 5 million.

Network satellites use radiation-hardened electronics, onboard processors, and laser comms chips that require specialized semiconductor fabs, which in turn require decades of ecosystem investment.

AI-Powered Machine Vision

Effective (high-accuracy, low-latency) machine vision in drones and cruise missiles requires real-time object detection, tracking, terrain classification, sensor fusion, and autonomous navigation capability under severe size, weight, power, and cost constraints, harsh operating environments, and contested electromagnetic conditions.

Hardware-wise, machine vision relies on high-performance AI accelerators (NPUs, custom ASICs, or optimized GPUs/FPGAs) that must deliver tens to hundreds of TOPS (trillions of operations per second) for neural networks such as CNNs or lightweight transformers (e.g., YOLO variants).

Such hardware would require leading-edge nodes (7 nm, 5 nm, 3 nm, or below) for the density, speed, and energy efficiency needed to run complex models onboard without excessive power draw.

Only a handful of fabs worldwide — primarily TSMC in Taiwan, with limited capacity from Samsung and Intel — can produce these at scale and yield.

The US itself faces geopolitical and supply-chain vulnerabilities. However, it is likely working on a plan to eventually eliminate them.

Conclusion

As things stand, the US appears uniquely positioned in combining reusable launch capability with access to semiconductor fabrication and design ecosystems that facilitate global reach and high-precision strikes by drones and cruise missiles.

In the discussion above, we confined ourselves largely to drones and cruise missiles. AI and secure global communication have applications in other weapon systems as well — space-based weapons, for example.

It is time for India to take a hard look at its quest for self-reliance in weapon manufacturing. Hopefully, we are not focusing on acquiring sunset technologies, and our efforts to acquire semiconductor fabrication and design technologies will be pursued vigorously.

Why Future Agniveers Could Well Be Disposable Humanoid Robots

Sanket Pathak, CEO Foundation Future with Phantom - a humanoid robot developed for combat tasks

CNBC reports that the US has started testing American humanoid combat robots in Ukraine.

According to the developer, Foundation Future Industries, the deployment is the first known deployment of humanoid robots in a combat zone in history.

Foundation Future is a San Francisco-based startup founded in April 2024. It develops general-purpose humanoid robots aimed at addressing labour shortages in manufacturing, logistics, domestic settings, and defence applications.

The company's flagship product — the Phantom — is roughly 5'9"–5'11" tall and weighs 176–180 lb. It is designed to lift approximately 90 lb and perform physical tasks in complex or high-risk environments. The robot has five-fingered hands, camera-first vision, and an LLM-driven autonomy system that supports both independent operation and supervised teleoperation.

Foundation Future has secured approximately $24 million in Pentagon research contracts (U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force) for testing the humanoids.

Two Phantom units were deployed to Ukraine in February 2026 for frontline logistics and reconnaissance. Eventually, the humanoid could begin wielding weapons.

Foundation Future aims to send an upgraded humanoid variant — Phantom 2 — to Ukraine this year.

Company CEO Sanket Pathak claims that the upgraded humanoid will have "superhuman abilities" and double the payload capacity.

Pathak previously founded and led Synapse Financial Technologies, a banking-as-a-service (BaaS) fintech platform. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April 2024 following a disruptive collapse of its service and is reportedly under criminal investigation by the Justice Department. Eric Trump, the second son of President Donald Trump, invested in the company and, in March 2026, joined it as chief strategy adviser.

Eric's involvment in the compnay and the Pentagon contract have been frowned upon by Democrats.

In lighter vein, Foundation Future could well collapse as did Synapse. Or, it could one day tie-up with the Adani Defence to manufacture disposable Agniveers for the Indian Armed Forces!

IAF Tactics to Reduce S-400 Vulnerability

AI graphic showing an IAF S-400 launcher evading counter battery fire

It's been widely reported that the IAF has reduced the vulnerability of its S-400 systems by launching missiles on the move. 

It's important to put the IAF achievement in the correct perspective.

The S-400 system is a mobile system but does not have launch on the move capability like short-range SAMs such as the Pantsir-S1 or Tor (which are explicitly designed for firing on the move).

The S-400 is a  mobile (up to 60 km/h on roads, 25 km/h off-road) system that can reach "ready to fire" status in as little as 5 minutes from a marching column without full redeployment (rapid-reaction), or 10–15 minutes in full development mode where the entire battery or regiment properly positions into its battle formation.

In firing position, the TEL deploys hydraulic stabilizer jacks (typically two on each side of the trailer/chassis) to level and steady the vehicle. 

IAF's New S-400 Operatoions Tactics

Using the IAF's newly developed tactics, a S-400 battery prepares for launch while still moving at low speeds (~5–7 km/h). When ready to launch, it stops, stabilizes, fires quickly, retracts its stabilizing pads and speeds away (scoots).

With the launcher continuously moving, AWACS or satellite based reconnaissance cannot provide counter battery missile systems the exact coordinates of the S-400 component systems.  

During Op Sindoor, IAF batteries reportedly evaded counter battery fire by quickly relocating. 

The IAF new tactics are more advanced and make counter battery fire very challenging for the adversary. 

The IAF tactics requires training and situational awareness - satellite pass schedule and airborne ISR assets positioning. It possibly also relies on surveyed and flattened terrain to launch with lower levels of stabilization. 

It's conceivable that the launch tubes are raised to a vertical position while on the move and then the platform is lightly stabilized for immediate launch. 

It's unlikely that the IAF has made any hardware modification to the equipment though software tweaks cannot be ruled out.

Decoding the Su-57D’s Tail Marking: A Glimpse Into Russia’s Future Air Combat Concept

Photo from Defence TC

The graphic above, clearly visible on a close-up photograph of the right fin of the Su-57D, published on the "Defence" TC, highlights the role that the twin-seat stealth platform may be equipped to play.

The graphic shows the Su-57D at the center, with four silhouettes positioned at the tips of white spiral markings radiating outward. Each silhouette appears to represent an aerial platform or missile.

According to the Defence TC, the silhouettes represent the S-70 Okhotnik UCAV, an unmanned Su-75, the Kh-69 air-to-surface cruise missile, and the "Izdeliye 810" air-to-air missile — a further evolution of the R-37M.

If true, the graphic illustrates the Su-57D's ability to coordinate attacks by S-70 and Su-75 combat drones while also launching attacks itself using Kh-69 and Izdeliye 810 missiles.

I believe the silhouettes could instead represent the S-70 Okhotnik UCAV, an unmanned Su-75, a MALE reconnaissance and targeting drone, and a tactical ballistic missile such as the Iskander-M.

In that case, the graphic would illustrate the Su-57D's ability to coordinate attacks by S-70 and Su-75 combat drones, as well as assign targets to an Iskander-M battery using coordinates relayed from the MALE drone.

I could be wrong, but my interpretation is based on what appear to be the Su-57D's primary roles — a drone mothership for MUM-T operations and an airborne command post.

It may be noted that, when configured for MUM-T and command-post roles, the Su-57D likely does not carry weapons in its internal bays. I explained the reasons in my earlier blogpost.

You are welcome to share your opinion with a comment below.

Su-57D: Russia’s Stealth Fighter Becomes an Airborne Command Post

Su-57D Maiden Flight

On May 19, Russia’s UAC announced that the Su-57D — a two-seat variant of the Su-57 — had undertaken its maiden flight and commenced flight testing.

During the maiden flight, the aircraft was flown by a single pilot, Sergei Bogdan, the chief test pilot of the Sukhoi Design Bureau.

The Su-57 is designed for single-seat operations. Situational awareness, AI decision assist, and automation have been extensively used to allow a single pilot to handle the cockpit workload.

Imperative for Two-Seat Variant

To begin with, Russian forces didn't feel the need for a two-seat variant. However, much has changed since the stealth fighter first flew in 2010. Based on advances in combat aviation technology and the experience of the Russian Aerospace Forces in Ukraine, Russia's Ministry of Defense has now ordered a batch of the twin-seaters.

It is widely understood that a twin-seat variant facilitates speedier pilot training and operational conversion, as well as manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) of combat aircraft operating as a drone mothership.

The Su-57D is reportedly capable of teaming up with four S-70 Okhotnik modular drones configured for roles such as SEAD, electronic warfare, reconnaissance, and aerial combat. Notably, the control and coordination demands of MUM-T operations are far beyond what a single pilot can handle, even using sensor fusion and AI assistance.

Following the Su-57D's maiden flight, Bogdan, during his interaction with the Russian press, highlighted yet another important role that would require a second seat. He stated that the co-pilot of the Su-57D would be able to command an air group directly in the air, thousands of kilometers away from base. It is important to understand what Bogdan was alluding to because it highlights another emerging, path-breaking trend in combat aviation.

Important Cues from the Su-57D Patent

In November 2023, Russia's United Aircraft Corporation published a patent for a multifunctional two-seat stealth aircraft, which has now been unveiled as the Su-57D.

Based on a copy of the patent, TASS reported that the two-seat stealth tactical aircraft would be designed to detect and destroy air, surface, and ground targets.

The patent document acquired by TASS referred to the aircraft as “...a multifunctional two-seat stealth tactical aircraft... intended to detect and destroy air, surface, and ground targets at super- and subsonic flight speeds across a wide range of altitudes, as well as act as an airborne command post for network-oriented operations involving mixed groups of aircraft.”

To reiterate, the document noted that the twin-seat variant would retain its ability to destroy targets with guided and unguided weapons. In addition, it would be possible to use the new variant as an air control point with the ability to ensure coordination between aviation and military formations, as well as serve as a control point for unmanned aerial vehicles.

Air Command Role

For several years now, the RuAF has been evaluating the use of the Su-57 for cooperative operations with manned fighters such as the Su-35.

In June 2020, TASS reported that Russia had tested Su-35–Su-57 cooperative operations.

“The experiment was carried out in real combat conditions. A group of Su-35 fighters was involved in the ‘flock’; the role of the command-and-staff aircraft was performed by the Su-57,” a source told TASS.

More recently, as part of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Su-57 fighters have teamed up with S-70 Okhotnik UCAVs to strike targets in Ukraine.

Su-57D Redesign

Pivotal to the Su-57D's role as a command post would be long endurance and range, which would necessitate a significant increase in the fuel carried internally by the aircraft.

The redesign of the Su-57 airframe to realise the Su-57D is aimed not only at creating space for a second cockpit but also at increasing internal fuel capacity. In other words, the Su-57D variant will carry more fuel internally than the Su-57 fighter. Usually, twin-seat variants carry less fuel than the single-seat fighter because the second seat is fitted while retaining the fighter version's dimensions.

It is clear that, in the case of the Su-57D, Sukhoi has departed from the norm to facilitate its MUM-T and command-post roles.

Optionally, the Su-57D can also carry additional fuel in tanks fitted into the weapon bays normally used for the internal carriage of missiles and bombs.

It is also possible that, by increasing the dimensions, Sukhoi has created additional space for the avionics required to support MUM-T and command-post roles. Perhaps the avionics could also go into the weapon bays?

As such, it is highly likely that the Su-57D can be configured either for a combat role or for a command-post role, but not both simultaneously.

Conclusion

The option to carry additional fuel in the weapons bays of the Su-57 is an interesting innovation that increases the versatility of the stealth fighter.

With the Su-57, Russia appears to be following the same approach that the Soviet Union successfully pursued after developing the Su-27 — continuously reinventing the aircraft to meet the challenges and opportunities emerging from technological advances.

The Su-27, officially inducted into the Soviet Air Force in 1985, evolved into several Su-30 variants, the Su-34, the Su-35, and the J-11, all of which remain in service to this day. The evolved variants of the Su-27 will likely remain in service for at least a couple of decades more.

It is highly likely that Su-57 variants will similarly remain in service for the next 50 years.

In Ukraine, US-Supplied Drones Strangulate Russian Supply Lines, Blunt Geran Threat

 

ChatGPT Image

Russia has steadily lost its advantage in drone warfare in Ukraine and is now reeling under the onslaught of Western-supplied drones in general and US-supplied drones in particular.

At one point, Russian innovations — such as Lancet and Kub kamikaze drones, fiber-optic cable-controlled kamikaze drones, and inexpensive long-range one-way attack drones — had given Russian forces a significant edge over Ukraine.

Now, not only has the Russian edge been blunted, Ukrainian forces have seized the initiative using interceptor and strike drones featuring advanced US technology.

The sophistication of US-supplied drones has put Russian forces on the back foot and brought the Russian offensive in Donbas to a grinding halt.

Among the several US companies that have developed potent drones for use by Ukrainian forces is Perennial Autonomy, a company owned by Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google.

Two drones developed by Perennial Autonomy are giving Russian forces a hard time — the Merops interceptor drone and the Hornet strike drone.

First time EVER - Ukrainian-American drone Merops being shown in the news, in Ukraine, and in Europe.

So this is basically one of the key drones Ukraine operates to keep it's sky safe. It has a good level of autonomy, so it's easy for the pilots.

— Dimko Zhluktenko 🇺🇦⚔️ (@dim0kq) April 9, 2026

Merops AS-3 Surveyor

The Merops AS-3 Surveyor has reportedly proven effective in intercepting Russian drones.

The fixed-wing Surveyor interceptor was first combat-tested in Ukraine around June 2024. By late 2025, it had reportedly achieved over 1,900 intercepts. In some sectors, it is claimed to have brought down roughly 40% of Russian Geran drones. Recent reports claim 4,000 successful Russian drone interceptions.

The propeller-driven drone is roughly three feet long and is capable of attaining a maximum speed of 280 km/h.

It can be launched pneumatically from the bed of a standard pickup truck alongside a ground control station. The entire system is highly portable and requires minimal training.

Its success in Ukraine reportedly prompted the US Army to order 13,000 units shortly after the US and Israel launched an unprovoked large-scale aerial attack on Iran on February 28, to counter Iranian Shahed drone barrages.

The drone is currently priced at $15,000, but its cost is projected to fall below $10,000.

The Surveyor is an effective interceptor on account of its greater autonomy, speed, and jam resistance. The drone features electro-optical, thermal, and RF sensors. More importantly, it can fuse inputs from its different sensors into highly effective machine vision. Using AI-based autonomy and machine vision, it can home in on targets even when SATNAV and communication signals are jammed. With its maximum speed of 280 km/h, the drone outpaces Russian Gerans.

Its 2 kg fragmentation warhead increases the probability of a successful interception. Combined with its $15,000 price tag, it offers an optimized cost-to-kill ratio.

Hornet Strike Drone

U.S. Army's Hornet AI-enabled strike drone now active across two NATO exercises — Lithuania and Poland. Same system hitting Russian logistics in Ukraine beyond 100 km. Swift Beat, owned by ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt, is developer.

Read more: https://defence-blog.com/u-s-army-deploys-combat-proven-hornet-strike-drone/

— Dylan Malyasov | 🧐 (@DylanMalyasov) May 5, 2026

The effectiveness of US interceptor drones has substantially relieved the financial and operational burden on Western-supplied Ukrainian air defence (AD) systems deployed to defend Ukrainian airspace, despite the adverse cost-to-kill ratio resulting from the use of high-cost interceptor missiles to destroy low-cost strike drones such as the Geran. More effective interception of Russian attack drones will reduce Russia’s ability to degrade Ukraine's warfighting potential. It would allow Ukraine to continue the fight much longer.

The introduction of the US-supplied Hornet strike drone has yielded a more immediate gain. Along with other factors, Hornets can be credited with bringing the Russian offensive in Donbas to a crawl along the line of contact, and even to a complete halt in some sectors.

The Hornet drone is estimated to cost less than €5,000. Its takeoff weight is approximately 15 kg, its wingspan 2.2 m, and its fuselage length 1.4 m. Its maximum payload reaches 5 kg.

The technological features that make the Hornet potent include stealth, long range, autonomy, navigational accuracy, and EW resilience.

Stealth & Range

The drone uses a conventional airframe that allows RF signature reduction. It also cruises at low altitudes, sometimes extremely low altitudes.

It mostly operates at altitudes of up to 200 m but has reportedly been seen flying as low as 5 m.

It is claimed to have a maximum range of 160 km.

Navigational Accuracy

The drone autonomously tracks along adversary logistics routes using its optical sensors, identifying and prioritizing targets.

It features two daylight cameras — forward-facing and downward-facing — that facilitate terrain orientation, altitude stabilization, target recognition, and target lock-on.

When it detects a target, the system seeks operator clearance to attack. Once clearance is granted, the low-audio-signature drone autonomously dives onto or approaches the target, giving the adversary little reaction time.

EW Resilience

Tracking along logistics routes enhances both navigational accuracy and resilience to EW.

The drone’s built-in autonomy minimizes communication with the operator.

The drone is controlled using the following non-traditional protocols and frequencies:

1. Radio communication in non-standard frequency bands of 1800–1900 MHz, 2000–2300 MHz, and 3300–3800 MHz

2. Starlink or MESH networking

3. LoRa (Long Range)

A large number of operationally deployed Russian EW systems cannot disrupt the non-standard frequency bands used by the Hornet.

Starlink and MESH networks are inherently resilient to jamming.

The LoRa protocol facilitates the transmission of small amounts of data over long distances using very little power. The fact that Russian forces use DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) systems for tactical communication complicates their option of jamming the LoRa spectrum.

Hornet’s SATNAV module can simultaneously receive and process signals from all major satellite constellations — GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and Galileo. It can additionally leverage SBAS support to improve signal accuracy.

The drone’s unique communication architecture reportedly enables positioning accuracy of 1.5 m RMS in the absence of EW jamming, significantly exceeding that of previous-generation SATNAV modules.

It has been reported that Ukrainian forces leveraged the accuracy of Hornet drones to destroy the support poles and framework holding protective nets in place over a logistics supply route, collapsing the barriers and opening the routes to follow-on attacks.

Technologically, Russian forces have no effective counter to the Surveyor interceptor drone except making their Gerans fly faster. As far as attack drones are concerned, there is evidence to suggest that Russia is attempting to seize back the initiative with its Geran-5 jet-powered drone — a clean-sheet design bearing no physical resemblance to earlier Geran variants. According to Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate, the Russian Armed Forces plan to ramp up production of jet-powered drones and increase their share to 50% of all long-range drones launched.

Chetak, Cheetah Replacement: Still Hovering After Two Decades

 

LUH on display at DefExpo 2020

On May 20, 2026, an Indian Army (IA) Cheetah helicopter crashed in the Tangste (Tangtse) region near Leh in Ladakh during a routine high-altitude sortie.

The helicopter was carrying three IA officers — two pilots and passenger Major General Sachin Mehta, General Officer Commanding of the 3 Infantry Division.

All three survived with minor injuries. They walked away from the wreckage in high spirits, as was evident from a selfie posted by them on social media that went viral.

Ageing Chetak, Cheetah Helicopter Fleet

The crash drew attention to the IA's ageing fleet of around 350 Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. For over two decades, the IA has been seeking replacement of the 1960s-vintage French helicopters manufactured in India by HAL.

In 2010, HAL, based on its experience and learning from manufacturing the Cheetah and Chetak helicopters, as well as from developing the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter, announced that it would develop a Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) to replace the Cheetah and Chetak helicopters.

On a parallel track, Indian PM Narendra Modi, during his visit to Russia in December 2014 for the annual summit meeting, signed an agreement to jointly manufacture Kamov Ka-226T light utility helicopters in India at HAL.

As per the agreement, India and Russia were to produce at least 200 Ka-226T helicopters for the Indian Armed Forces, with additional units potentially manufactured for civilian use and export.

The LUH is a 3-tonne, single-engine light utility helicopter. Powered by the Safran HE Ardiden-1U engine, rated at 750 kW, the LUH has a maximum AUW of 3,150 kg. It is capable of flying at 220 kph, with a service ceiling of 6.5 km and a range of 350 km with a 400 kg payload. It can seat six — a crew of two and four passengers.

The Ka-226 is a slightly larger 3.6-tonne, twin-engine, multi-role light helicopter with coaxial contra-rotating rotors (no tail rotor). It is capable of flying at 220 kph, with a service ceiling of 6.5 km and a range of 600 km. It has a crew of one to two and can seat six to seven passengers.

LUH Hot & High Altitude Trials September 2020

LUH Program Status

The programs to replace IA Chetak and Cheetah helicopters with the LUH and Ka-226 helicopters are both woefully behind schedule.

The LUH program has been delayed by technical challenges, supply-chain issues, and certification problems. Technical challenges include main rotor blade refinements and noise/vibration issues. The imported Automatic Flight Control System (autopilot) from Safran faced supply disruptions during COVID and integration problems. There has also been scope creep, with the Army adding advanced autopilot requirements that were not part of the original specifications.

Nine of the 12 Limited Series Production units had been built but remained undelivered as of May 2026.

Certification, which was targeted for late 2025, will likely slip to late 2026.

Ka-226 Program Status

The Ka-226 program failed to make headway due to disagreements over local production costs, technology transfer issues, and Russia's inability to meet 70% indigenous content targets because the aircraft was powered by French engines.

In January 2022, the Defence Procurement Board (DPB) reviewed the Ka-226T manufacturing project as part of India's efforts to reduce dependence on foreign defence equipment. Following the review, the project stalled, likely due to two key factors:

1. Development of the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH): The DPB considered HAL’s indigenous LUH program a viable alternative. The LUH, a 3-tonne-class helicopter, was being developed to meet both military and civilian requirements.

2. Restricted Access to French Engines: At the time of contract signing in 2015, the Ka-226T was powered by French Arrius 2G1 engines. However, following geopolitical tensions, France denied Russia access to the engine. Consequently, Russia could not meet its obligations to fully support Ka-226T manufacture in India as the OEM.

Russian Import Substitution Alters the Landscape

Meanwhile, Russia continued to develop the Ka-226T to fulfil Indian requirements.

Following Russia's estrangement from France, the UEC-Klimov enterprise announced in 2019 the development of a new VK-650V gas-turbine turboshaft engine with a takeoff power of 650 hp.

The VK-650V is intended to replace the French powerplant on Russian Ka-226T and Ansat helicopters. According to UEC, variants of the VK-650V could also be adapted to power drones and hybrid propulsion systems for aircraft.

In June 2024, UEC delivered the first prototype VK-650V engines for flight tests on an Ansat helicopter.

On February 7, a Rostec press release stated that UEC “has received type certification for the VK-650V turboshaft engine, designed for light helicopters. The VK-650V is now ready for serial production and operational deployment.”

On May 22, 2026, a prototype Ka-226T helicopter equipped with two new Russian VK-650V turboshaft engines completed its first full-fledged circular flight in Tomilino near Moscow.

Potential Ka-226T Revival with the VK-650V Engine

The certification of the VK-650V engine could potentially revive the stalled project to manufacture Ka-226T helicopters in India.

Since contract negotiations were suspended, Russia has replaced many foreign components on the Ka-226T with locally manufactured ones. At the time of contract signing, only 72% of the components were of Russian origin. As a result, Indo-Russian Helicopters can now begin production of the Ka-226T with a higher level of indigenous content than before.

HAL is significantly behind schedule in delivering an LUH conforming to the requirements of the Indian Armed Forces. Keeping in mind the large number of light helicopters due for replacement, it could be over a decade before the Chetaks and Cheetahs are finally phased out.

In any case, there is market potential for two locally manufactured helicopters targeting the Armed Forces, paramilitary forces, law-enforcement agencies, the civil sector, and exports.

Relying solely on HAL’s LUH program is a high-risk strategy, given HAL’s uncertain delivery timeline.

Both the LUH and Ka-226T programs conform to the Make-in-India paradigm. The indigenous content and level of technology transfer (ToT) absorption for both the LUH and the Ka-226T are expected to be similar.

If the Russians were to agree to limited or complete manufacturing ToT for the VK-650V engine, India would gain much more than a helicopter engine, keeping in mind the possible use of the engine as a drone powerplant.