Indian army launches AI-driven swarm drone system

New Delhi: An AI-driven swarm drone system has been inducted into the mechanised forces of the Indian Army. The system is equipped with cutting-edge technology and can identify targets.

Sources told PTI that swarm drones have a number of drones controlled from the same station. They can be programmed to carry out various tasks including surveillance. There is a dynamic mesh communication system that allows the swarm to complete the job and come back even if a few drones drop out. "It is a complex but a "man in the loop" system."

The Indian Army tweeted that the new system will provide an edge to meeting future security challenges. The Army is getting ready to transform itself into a"technology-enabled force to meet future operational challenges". The AI-drive system enhances decision-making and engagement capability.

"Swarm drones being inducted into the mechanised forces, duly embracing the niche and disruptive technologies. It will provide an edge to the Indian Army in meeting future security challenges," said the Additional Directorate General of Public Information of the Army.

Another source said the swarm can carry a "variety of payloads in a single mission, thus capable of overwhelming enemy defences by undertaking collaborative attack." The AI software enables the drones to "operate autonomously with minimum human intervention" and to identify targets using the software thus "speeding up the engagement process."

They added that the Indian Army has initiated a Make II case Autonomous Surveillance and Armed Drone Swarm (ASAD-S) with adequate ranges to "neutralise adversary targets in-depth areas."