Arun Arora
THE recent flare-up between India and Pakistan has brought India’s air warfare strategy into the spotlight. While fighter jets have traditionally been the backbone of air power, things are changing fast. Drones are no longer just for surveillance – they’re now smarter, cheaper, and capable of doing much more on the battlefield. This shift raises a timely question. Should India lean more into drones or find a smart middle ground between unmanned systems and conventional fighter jets?
Drone advantage
Let’s start with what drones bring to the table. Firstly, they’re significantly more affordable to build, maintain, and operate. That means India can deploy them in considerably more prominent numbers, a significant advantage given the current shortfall in fighter squadrons. Another advantage is that there is no pilot risk. In high-stakes or politically sensitive missions, keeping personnel out of harm’s way is invaluable.
Then there is the potential of swarm tactics. Imagine dozens – or hundreds – of autonomous drones coordinating in real time to outmanoeuvre enemy air defences, gather intelligence, and strike multiple targets simultaneously. This kind of capability could change the rules of engagement entirely.
And let’s not forget versatility! With AI-enabled targeting, precision weapons, and capabilities ranging from surveillance to electronic warfare, modern drones can handle a wide range of missions.
In recent skirmishes with Pakistan, and in the Russian-Ukraine war, drones have already proven their worth. Their use reflects a broader trend: drones are shaping modern conflicts by allowing militaries to probe defences, disrupt operations, and collect intelligence with a relatively low risk of escalation.
No silver bullet
That said, drones have their limitations. They can’t carry as much ordnance as manned jets and their range is shorter, too. They’re also vulnerable – susceptible to jamming, hacking, and counter-drone systems, all of which are evolving quickly.
There is also a legal and ethical grey area. As autonomous systems become more sophisticated, questions surrounding accountability, decision-making in combat, and compliance with international law become increasingly urgent.
Jets irreplaceable
Even with all the hype around drones, fighter jets remain irreplaceable in specific roles. For starters, only advanced manned aircraft can dominate contested airspace and engage enemy fighters head-on. They also have the edge in stealth, sensors, and electronic warfare – capabilities that are crucial in a region where potential adversaries are also investing in fifth-generation jets.
Beyond combat capabilities, jet fighters serve as a strategic signal. A strong fighter fleet is a visible show of deterrence – an essential factor in a region bordered by two nucleararmed neighbours.
Rather than choosing between drones and jets, India could aim for a blended force structure that balances cutting-edge technology with affordability. This comprises: high-end assets – limited numbers of top-tier fighters like the Rafale or the upcoming AMCA for strategic missions and air dominance, mid-tier options – scaled-up production of indigenous platforms like the Tejas for routine patrols and support operations, and unmanned systems – a broad push to expand drone fleets for ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance), strike roles, and close air support.
The recent tensions with Pakistan are a clear reminder that India’s air power needs to evolve fast. Drones provide a quick and scalable solution to fill urgent capability gaps. However, jet fighters continue to play a crucial role in deterrence and deep-strike missions. The future of Indian air strategy lies not in picking one over the other, but in making them work together – to build a force that’s modern, flexible, and ready for whatever comes next.
