The Indian Army will establish specialised ‘Baaz Battalions’ to strengthen its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities, marking a significant step in the force’s transition towards technology-driven warfare. The announcement was made by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, who said the Army is expanding its drone ecosystem through continuous induction, upgrades, and large-scale replenishment of unmanned systems.
The new battalions will be built upon the Army’s existing Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Flights and will comprise specially trained personnel responsible for operating, maintaining, and managing drone systems across the battlefield. The initiative is aimed at enhancing intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and precision strike capabilities while creating a dedicated command structure for drone operations.
India has steadily expanded its unmanned warfare capabilities over the past two decades, moving from imported platforms to a growing portfolio of indigenous systems developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). These include surveillance drones, loitering munitions, and target systems that have supported operational deployments and doctrinal development across the armed forces.
By creating dedicated Baaz Battalions, the Army seeks to standardise drone operations, establish specialised training and maintenance infrastructure, and develop doctrine tailored to unmanned warfare. The battalion model is expected to improve operational readiness while ensuring greater coordination across formations deployed in different theatres.
The initiative reflects a broader global trend in which armed forces are integrating unmanned systems into dedicated operational units as drones become increasingly central to modern battlefield operations. The Indian Army’s approach also underscores its growing reliance on indigenous defence technologies, reducing dependence on imported systems while supporting India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
The success of the Baaz Battalions will depend on sustained investment in specialised training, technical expertise, and operational doctrine. As drones continue to reshape military operations, the new battalions are expected to play a key role in enhancing the Indian Army’s surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision engagement capabilities in future conflicts.
