Unmanned armed vehicles play a crucial role in border security. (Photo credit: PTI)

New Delhi: Taking a step ahead to strengthen the Indian armed force and guard its border, the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is working on developing AI-driven multi-role, advanced and long-endurance drones that will be used for invigilation in the areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The move comes amid India's gearing up to step up vigilance strategically in high-altitude areas, including along the frontiers with China. Despite several rounds of talks between India and China, the tension at LAC remains unresolved following the Galwan valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops in May 2020.

The drone will be designed keeping in mind the requirement of the armed forces to keep a strong vigil over the mountainous areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The operating system of the long-endurance drone will feature applications of Artificial Intelligence.

The rotary-wing drone will have the capability to carry a load of 40 kg, including missiles and sensors.

The armed forces will be able to use it for multiple purposes, including transporting essential supplies.

HAL is looking to conduct the maiden test-flying of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) by the middle of next year.

HAL has planned to produce 60 such platforms in the first phase of the project.

The unmanned armed vehicles play a crucial role in border security as they allow for real-time reconnaissance, target acquisition, and tracking of people and illegal activities via high-quality video feed. In comparison to stationary video cameras, drones mounted with thermal detection cameras are much superior at tracking irregular activities such as illegal border crossing attempts through dense woods or mountainous terrain.

Besides, HAL is also looking to work with the manufacturers of the Israeli Heron TP drones to produce them.

This project is aimed at addressing the requirements of the Indian armed forces as well as global supplies.

In addition to that, it is also working on two separate drone projects with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

To significantly increase their surveillance capability, the three services intend to buy a sizable number of unmanned aerial systems over the next few years. This will allow them to keep a close eye on Chinese actions in the LAC and Indian Ocean region in particular. Each of the three services has drawn up plans for the acquisition of the new-age platforms.

India also intends to purchase around 30 multi-mission armed Predator drones from the US at an estimated cost of over $ 3 billion for the three services.

In November 2020, the Navy got two non-weaponised MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones on lease from the US.

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