Air defences: India should induct drones and precision missiles in line with its own threat analysis
The advent of drones and precision missiles is fundamentally altering warfare, necessitating India's urgent re-evaluation of its defence strategy and organizational architecture. While these technologies promise significant advantages, their decisive impact in future conflicts remains debated. Adversaries will likely employ them, shifting air defence from military bases to urban centers, demanding multi-agency coordination. India needs an innovative approach, perhaps a 'national battle innovation hub,' to experiment with new structures, moving beyond traditional theatre command models. Strengthening indigenous procurement and fostering innovation within services are crucial for future readiness against this evolving threat landscape.
LiveMint · Nitin Pai · Jul 12, 2026 at 7:41 AM