As the time passes, the mankind grows in all the ways possible. In all of these growths the technological leap that humanity is taking with each passing moment is like never before. The warfare technologies are also a substantial part of this growth, and in this domain the DRONES are the recent arrivers.
The drone technology initially was a costly and scarce innovation limited to certain western powers, as is the case with every new technology. But, in the recent years this arena has been a witness to surprising rise of small powers or third world powers. They had not only came up with cheaper versions of the drones but also brought with them superior technology and various categories of their need. Turkey and Iran are prime examples of these powers. In this article we will analyze that what were the reasons which led to this unprecedented rise of Iran and Turkey vis-à-vis where the domestic drone industry of India lacked, particularly in defense sector.
Iran’s Drone Advancements
Iran has made remarkable progress in the development and deployment of drones, showcasing its technological prowess on the international stage. The country’s drone program has been driven by a combination of domestic innovation and reverse engineering of captured or downed U.S. drones. Iran’s drones have been employed for surveillance, reconnaissance, and even offensive purposes, influencing regional dynamics.
Factors contributing to Iran’s drone capabilities include a determined domestic industrial base, a focus on asymmetrical warfare strategies, and the need for self-sufficiency due to international sanctions. Iran’s ability to adapt and innovate in the face of adversity has played a crucial role in its ascent as a major drone power.
Factors Contributing to Iran’s Drone Dominance:
Geopolitical Imperatives: Iran, situated in a region marked by geopolitical tensions, has identified UAVs as a crucial component of its defense strategy. Iran’s regional concerns, coupled with the need for a deterrent against potential adversaries, have driven the country to invest significantly in drone technology.
Technological Advancements: Iran’s drone program has benefited from advancements in technology, both domestically developed and acquired through international channels. The country has successfully reverse-engineered and modified existing drone platforms, adapting them to its specific needs.
Military Operations and Experience: Iran’s involvement in regional conflicts has provided valuable real-world experience in deploying and operating drones. The country’s military engagements have highlighted the effectiveness of UAVs in asymmetric warfare, allowing Iran to refine its drone capabilities and tactics over time.
Major Iranian Drones:
Sarir (Saegheh):
Type: Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) UAV
Capabilities: Surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence gathering
Specifications: Endurance of 24 hours, operational range of 1,000 km, and a maximum speed of 200 km/h.
Karrar:
Type: Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) UAV
Capabilities: Reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike missions
Specifications: Endurance of 10 hours, operational range of 1,000 km, and a maximum speed of 200 km/h. Equipped with precision-guided munitions.
Ababil:
Type: Tactical UAV
Capabilities: Surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare
Specifications: Endurance of 4-6 hours, operational range of 200 km, and a maximum speed of 200 km/h.
Shahed 129:
Type: MALE UAV
Capabilities: Long-endurance reconnaissance and surveillance, with the ability to carry precision-guided munitions
Specifications: Endurance of 24 hours, operational range of 1,700 km, and a maximum speed of 220 km/h.
Also Read, Examining the Shahed-136 Drone’s Stealth
Turkey’s Technological Leap
Turkey, with its burgeoning defense industry, has become a force to be reckoned with in the realm of drone technology, marking its presence with a remarkable surge in technological advancements and the production of high-performance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The strategic use of drones has not only bolstered Turkey’s defense capabilities but has also positioned it as a key exporter of cutting-edge drone technology. Successful deployment of Turkish drones in conflicts such as the Nagorno-Karabakh war between Azerbaijan and Armenia has showcased Turkey’s growing influence in the drone arena.
Factors Contributing to Turkey’s Drone Dominance
Strategic Vision and Investment: Turkey has demonstrated a clear strategic vision in investing heavily in research and development in the field of unmanned aerial systems. The Turkish government, through various defense contractors and institutions, has allocated significant funds to develop indigenous drone technology.
Operational Experience: Turkey’s experience in dealing with complex security challenges, both domestically and in neighboring regions, has driven the need for advanced military capabilities. Drones have proven to be versatile assets in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations, as well as in asymmetric warfare scenarios.
Indigenous Production: Turkey has prioritized the development and production of indigenous drone technologies. Domestic defense companies, such as Baykar, Roketsan, and Aselsan, have played pivotal roles in creating and advancing Turkish drone capabilities.
Collaboration with Allies: Turkey has collaborated with strategic allies, such as Ukraine and Qatar, in drone technology development. These partnerships have enabled the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and resources, contributing to the rapid evolution of Turkish UAV capabilities.
Major Turkish Drones: Capabilities and Specifications
Bayraktar TB2:
Role: Medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAV
Range: 150 km
Payload Capacity: 150 kg
Capabilities: Armed reconnaissance, surveillance, and precision strike capabilities
TAI Anka:
Role: MALE UAV
Range: 200 km
Payload Capacity: 200 kg
Capabilities: ISR, target acquisition, and electronic warfare capabilities
Bayrakter Akıncı:
Role: High-altitude long-endurance (HALE) UAV
Range: 5,000 km
Payload Capacity: 1,350 kg
Capabilities: Multirole missions, including strike capabilities, electronic warfare, and air-to-air refueling
Karayel:
Role: Tactical UAV
Range: 150 km
Payload Capacity: 70 kg
Capabilities: Surveillance, reconnaissance, and target acquisition
Comparative Analysis with India
India, while possessing a robust defense industry, has faced challenges in keeping pace with the rapid evolution of drone technology. Over the years, the country has made significant strides in developing indigenous drone technology, primarily through the efforts of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The country has made strides in developing indigenous drones, such as the Rustom and the DRDO’s Lakshya, but the focus has been predominantly on surveillance and reconnaissance rather than armed drones.
Factors Behind the Slow Growth
Regulatory Framework: The regulatory framework governing drone operations in India has witnessed multiple revisions, causing uncertainties for both manufacturers and users. Government, though recently, has taken consecutive steps to strengthen the sector’s growth possibilities but those will take due time in percolating to the market. Still, the defence drone sector in India needs a major boost to matchup it’s global peers.
Lack of Private Sector Participation: Unlike some other countries, India has seen limited participation from the private sector in the development of drone technology. The absence of a vibrant ecosystem involving private companies has slowed down innovation and research in the field.
Technological Challenges: Developing cutting-edge drone technology requires substantial research and development. India has faced challenges in keeping pace with rapidly evolving global standards, hindering the competitiveness of its drone industry.
Budget Constraints: Most of the leading defence sector companies in India are public sector utilities, and that, in case of budgeting becomes a serious constraint in the R&D and ultimately company’s growth. That is the reason why allocating sufficient financial resources to research, development, and manufacturing of drones has also been a challenge.
Major Indian Drones by DRDO and HAL:
AURA (DRDO):
Role: Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV)
Specifications: Wingspan – 15 meters, Range – Classified, Stealth features, Supersonic capability
Nishant (DRDO):
Role: Reconnaissance and Surveillance UAV
Specifications: Wingspan – 6.5 meters, Endurance – 4 hours, Range – 150 km, Payload capacity – 45 kg
Panchi (HAL):
Role: Fixed-wing Mini UAV
Specifications: Wingspan – 1.2 meters, Endurance – 2 hours, Range – 15 km, Payload capacity – 5 kg
TAPAS 201 (Rustom-I, DRDO):
Role: Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV
Specifications: Wingspan – 21 meters, Endurance – 24 hours, Range – 250 km, Payload capacity – 350 kg
However this drone program has been dropped from the mission mode category of the DRDO. The users, that mean the armed forces, were reportedly not convinced by the performance parameters of the TAPAS. These majorly include the lower endurance and height capabilities of the drone. The program is still in the DRDO’s pipeline as its own lab project.
Archer-NG:
This is a new drone program, which is still on drawing board, but is scheduled to take its maiden flight by the first quarter of 2024. It is single engine UAV which is being developed initially as weaponised drone, contrary to the TAPAS which was sought to be surveillance drone initially. Archer will be a high capability UAV with capabilities including precision guide munition, Surface-to-air and Anti Tank Missiles etc.
Initiatives by Govt. of India to boost Domestic Drone Industry :
The Indian government has unleashed a multi-pronged attack to propel the domestic drone industry into the global league. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their key initiatives:
Regulation Reforms: The outdated 2021 UAV rules were replaced with liberalized Drone Rules 2021, simplifying permissions, reducing paperwork, and eliminating cumbersome restrictions like geo-fencing and real-time tracking. This eased industry entry and spurred innovation.
Financial Incentives: The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme offers attractive tax benefits to drone manufacturers exceeding specified production targets, driving domestic manufacturing and attracting investments. Additionally, the “Drone Shakti” initiative provides financial assistance and training to startups and small businesses, fostering a vibrant drone ecosystem.
Demand Generation: Recognizing the transformative potential of drones, the government actively promotes their use across various sectors. Schemes like SVAMITVA leverage drones for land record mapping, while Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) facilitate drone adoption in agriculture for tasks like pesticide spraying and crop health monitoring. The “Kisan Drone Yatra” further showcased the power of drones in agriculture, motivating farmers and entrepreneurs.
Building Skills and Infrastructure: Recognizing the need for skilled personnel, the government has set up five drone schools in Madhya Pradesh, with plans for more. Additionally, events like “Bharat Drone Mahotsav” create a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and showcasing innovative drone applications.
Also Read, ANKA-3: Turkey’s Trailblazing Stealth Drone Set to Transform Air Warfare
Conclusion
Iran and Turkey’s rise as major drone powers highlights the importance of adaptability, innovation, and strategic focus in the contemporary geopolitical landscape. While India has made significant strides in drone technology, there is room for improvement in terms of rapid development, procurement processes, and a shift toward more offensive capabilities. As the global arena continues to witness advancements in unmanned aerial systems, nations must remain vigilant and agile in adapting to the evolving nature of modern warfare.
